Some nights call for gourmet meals, and other nights call for gooey, cheesy comfort food that makes everyone at the table instantly happy. Enter the Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub—a recipe that’s hearty, kid-approved, and quick enough to pull off even on the busiest evenings. Think of it as the weeknight dinner hero that doesn’t wear a cape but does come smothered in marinara and mozzarella.

Whether you go the homemade meatballs route or take the frozen shortcut (no judgment, we’ve all been there), this meatball sub sandwich is a total crowd-pleaser. With tender meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and bubbly melted cheese tucked into a toasted bun, it’s basically a hug in handheld form. And let’s be honest—any excuse to eat more mozzarella meatball subs is a good one.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub

Quick to make, even faster to devour.
Flexible—you can use homemade meatballs or frozen for convenience.
Melty mozzarella and toasted buns make it irresistible.
Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or game-day spreads.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For Homemade Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef (95% lean)
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1–2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp salt

For the Subs:

24 meatballs (homemade or frozen)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups marinara sauce
8 hot dog buns
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella

Step-by-Step Directions

For Homemade Meatballs: In a bowl, mix beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt until combined. Roll into 24 even meatballs.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add meatballs and brown on all sides, turning often.
Reduce heat, pour in marinara, stir gently, cover, and simmer 15 minutes until cooked through (160°F internal temp).
For Frozen Meatballs: Heat marinara in a skillet until simmering. Add frozen meatballs, cover, and cook 25 minutes until heated through.
Preheat broiler and place buns on a baking sheet.
Fill each bun with 3 meatballs, spoon on extra sauce, and top with mozzarella.
Broil 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly (watch closely!).
Serve hot with extra sauce on the side.

Tips for the Best Meatball Subs

Toast the buns lightly before adding the meatballs to prevent sogginess.
Add a sprinkle of parmesan or fresh basil for extra flavor.
Use hoagie rolls if you want a heartier sub than hot dog buns.
For a spicier kick, toss in a pinch more red pepper flakes.
Meal prep hack: make and freeze homemade meatballs ahead of time for faster dinners.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

This recipe was born on a Wednesday night when I had exactly 30 minutes before my kids’ soccer practice and zero desire to make a “fancy” dinner. I grabbed some leftover meatballs from the freezer, whipped up this cheesy sub, and handed them out with napkins. Let’s just say there was a lot of happy chewing and very little talking. Since then, the mozzarella meatball sub has become a staple in our rotation—and honestly, it never disappoints.

What to Servewith Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs

These hearty subs can easily stand alone, but they pair beautifully with:

A crisp side salad for balance.
Garlic breadsticks for carb lovers.
Roasted veggies or zucchini fries for a lighter option.
A big bowl of potato chips for game night.

If you’re hosting friends, serve a platter of subs cut in halves or thirds—it makes for easy sharing and keeps everyone happy.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover meatballs and sauce separately from the buns in airtight containers. They’ll keep in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Freeze meatballs with sauce for up to 3 months.
To reheat, simmer meatballs in sauce on the stove until warm. Toast buns separately, then assemble and broil with cheese.

FAQs About Meatball Subs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, turkey or chicken works well for homemade meatballs.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep meatballs and sauce in advance, then assemble and broil right before serving.

Do I need to use hot dog buns?

Not at all—hoagie rolls or baguettes work great too.

Can I use jarred marinara?

Absolutely—just pick your favorite brand for convenience.

How do I make the cheese extra gooey?

Add a slice of provolone under the mozzarella before broiling.

The Cheesiest Ending

This Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With juicy meatballs, marinara sauce, and bubbly mozzarella all tucked into a toasty bun, it’s the kind of meal that satisfies every craving. Whether you’re making it for family dinner, a casual get-together, or just to treat yourself after a long day, this meatball sub sandwich deserves a permanent spot in your weeknight recipe lineup. Trust me—this is one shortcut dinner you’ll actually look forward to.

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