This recipe is a time-saver and a crowd-pleaser. You’ll love how quick and customizable it is, whether you use frozen meatballs or make them from scratch. The combination of savory meatballs, rich marinara sauce, melted cheese, and toasted sub rolls creates a delicious meal that’s perfect for weeknights, game days, or casual gatherings. It’s also easy to scale up or down, depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Meatballs (homemade or frozen, fully cooked)
Marinara sauce
Sub rolls or hoagie buns
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Butter (optional, for toasting rolls)
Garlic powder (optional, for garlic butter)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a saucepan, heat the marinara sauce and add the cooked meatballs. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until heated through.
Slice the sub rolls and, if desired, brush the insides with garlic butter (butter mixed with garlic powder). Toast in the oven for 5 minutes until lightly crisp.
Place 3–4 meatballs with sauce into each roll.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the meatballs.
Return the subs to the oven and bake for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh basil or parsley.
Spicy Subs: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy marinara sauce.
Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in provolone or add a cheese sauce for extra richness.
Italian Style: Add sautéed bell peppers and onions for an Italian-American twist.
Low-Carb Option: Serve meatballs and sauce over zucchini noodles or in lettuce wraps.
Garlic Bread Subs: Use garlic bread instead of plain rolls for more flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Wrap leftover subs in foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, or until heated through. For quicker reheating, microwave on a plate for 1–2 minutes, though the bread may soften.
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, fully cooked frozen meatballs work great. Just simmer them in marinara sauce until heated through.
What kind of bread is best?
Sub rolls, hoagie buns, or even French rolls work well. Choose a sturdy bread that can hold up to the sauce and cheese.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance. Assemble and bake the subs just before serving for the best texture.
What cheeses can I use?
Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, but provolone, cheddar, or a cheese blend also work well.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, use plant-based meatballs and marinara for a vegetarian version.
How do I prevent soggy bread?
Toast the inside of the buns before adding the meatballs, and don’t overload with sauce.
Can I freeze the subs?
It’s better to freeze just the meatballs and sauce. Assemble the subs fresh for the best texture.
What side dishes go well with meatball subs?
Chips, salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple pasta salad are all great choices.
How do I make homemade meatballs?
Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, and seasoning. Form into balls and bake or pan-fry until cooked through.
Can I use other sauces?
Yes, you can use pesto, barbecue sauce, or even Alfredo sauce for a different twist.
Conclusion
Easy weeknight meatball subs are a fast, flavorful, and family-friendly meal that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re using store-bought shortcuts or making everything from scratch, this recipe delivers satisfying sandwiches packed with hearty meatballs, gooey cheese, and rich marinara. Perfect for busy nights when you want comfort food without the fuss.
Easy weeknight meatball subs are hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor—perfect for busy nights. Using store-bought or homemade meatballs, marinara sauce, and melty cheese on toasted rolls, these subs are a satisfying comfort food classic that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
16 fully cooked meatballs (homemade or frozen)
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
4 sub rolls or hoagie buns
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter (optional, for toasting rolls)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for garlic butter)
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the marinara sauce and meatballs. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until the meatballs are heated through.
Slice the sub rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through.
Optional: Mix butter and garlic powder, spread on the inside of the rolls, and toast them in the oven for 5 minutes until lightly crisp.
Place 3–4 meatballs with sauce into each toasted roll.
Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Return the subs to the oven and bake for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
Use spicy marinara or red pepper flakes for a spicy version.Add provolone or cheese sauce for extra cheesiness.Sautéed onions and bell peppers add a flavorful Italian twist.Use garlic bread instead of plain rolls for more flavor.Serve meatballs without the bread for a low-carb option.Wrap and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes for best results.
