Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs are the perfect quick and comforting dinner option for busy nights. This simple recipe features tender meatballs coated in marinara sauce, all nestled in a soft sub roll, and topped with melted cheese for a gooey, satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a casual get-together, these subs are a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to prepare and delicious to eat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs are a breeze to make and packed with flavor. The meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and smothered in a rich marinara sauce, while the melted cheese adds a creamy, melty texture. The sub rolls provide a perfect base, making each bite just the right balance of crispy and soft. This recipe is perfect for those hectic weeknights when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, you can easily customize the toppings to suit your taste, making it a great dish for the whole family!
Ingredients
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1 package (about 12) frozen meatballs (or homemade meatballs)
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2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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4 sub rolls (hoagie rolls)
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1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
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Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
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Olive oil for brushing (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you have a broiler, set it to high for the final step to get the cheese golden and bubbly.
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Cook the Meatballs: In a large saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. Add the frozen meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are heated through. Stir occasionally to ensure the meatballs are evenly coated in the sauce.
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Prepare the Rolls: While the meatballs are cooking, slice the sub rolls open, making sure not to cut all the way through so they stay connected. If you like, brush the insides of the rolls with a little olive oil for extra flavor and crispness, then lightly toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes.
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Assemble the Subs: Once the meatballs are cooked, spoon several meatballs into each sub roll, ensuring they are well coated with marinara sauce. Top each sub with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese and, if desired, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
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Bake: Place the assembled subs in the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a crispy, golden top, you can switch to the broiler for the last 2 minutes of cooking.
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Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese is melted and golden, remove the subs from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Homemade Meatballs: If you have the time, make your own meatballs using ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. This can elevate the dish for an even more homemade taste.
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Spicy Meatball Subs: Add some red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick, or top the subs with pickled jalapeños for some heat.
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Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for a richer flavor.
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Vegetarian Option: Use vegetarian meatballs or chickpea-based meatballs for a plant-based version of this dish.
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Add Veggies: Include sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the subs for extra flavor and texture.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover meatball subs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, wrap the subs in foil and place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual subs, though the bread may not stay as crispy.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones?
Yes, homemade meatballs are a great option! Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the marinara sauce.
2. Can I use a different type of sauce for these subs?
Absolutely! While marinara is traditional, you can use any pasta sauce you like. Alfredo, pesto, or even a spicy arrabbiata sauce can give the subs a different flavor.
3. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just heat them through in the sauce before assembling the subs.
4. How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
To avoid soggy bread, lightly toast the sub rolls before assembling, and make sure not to overload the meatballs with too much sauce. You can also add a layer of melted cheese directly on the bread to act as a barrier.
5. Can I use a different type of bread for the subs?
Yes! You can use hoagie rolls, baguettes, or even soft dinner rolls for a smaller, slider-style version of these meatball subs.
6. How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, include red pepper flakes in the sauce or top your subs with hot sauce or pickled jalapeños.
7. Can I freeze meatball subs?
Yes, you can freeze assembled meatball subs before baking them. Wrap each sub in foil and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To bake, simply heat them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
8. How do I make these meatball subs vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, use plant-based meatballs or make your own using chickpeas, lentils, or a combination of veggies and breadcrumbs.
9. Can I add extra toppings to my meatball sub?
Absolutely! You can top your meatball sub with sautéed mushrooms, fresh arugula, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added flavor.
10. What sides go well with meatball subs?
Serve these subs with a side salad, crispy fries, or roasted vegetables. For a lighter option, try a fresh cucumber or tomato salad.
Conclusion
Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs are the ultimate comfort food that’s quick, delicious, and satisfying. With tender meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melty cheese in a soft sub roll, these sandwiches are perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual meal with friends and family. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or mix in your favorite variations, these meatball subs are sure to become a household favorite!
Print
Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs are the perfect quick and comforting dinner option for busy nights. This simple recipe features tender meatballs coated in marinara sauce, all nestled in a soft sub roll, and topped with melted cheese for a gooey, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
1 package (about 12) frozen meatballs (or homemade meatballs)
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
4 sub rolls (hoagie rolls)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Olive oil for brushing (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you have a broiler, set it to high for the final step to get the cheese golden and bubbly.
- In a large saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. Add the frozen meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are heated through. Stir occasionally to ensure the meatballs are evenly coated in the sauce.
- While the meatballs are cooking, slice the sub rolls open, making sure not to cut all the way through so they stay connected. If you like, brush the insides of the rolls with a little olive oil for extra flavor and crispness, then lightly toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, spoon several meatballs into each sub roll, ensuring they are well coated with marinara sauce. Top each sub with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese and, if desired, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Place the assembled subs in the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a crispy, golden top, you can switch to the broiler for the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Once the cheese is melted and golden, remove the subs from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
If you prefer homemade meatballs, simply use ground beef, breadcrumbs, and seasonings to make them fresh.
To make this dish spicier, add red pepper flakes or top with pickled jalapeños.
For a vegetarian version, opt for plant-based or chickpea meatballs.
Lightly toast the sub rolls before adding the sauce and meatballs to avoid soggy bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sub
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
