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
