Description
The Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub is cheesy, saucy comfort food made simple. With juicy meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella tucked into toasted buns, it’s the perfect quick dinner for busy evenings, family meals, or game-day spreads.
Ingredients
For Homemade Meatballs
1 lb ground beef (95% lean)
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1–2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp red pepper flakes
½ tsp salt
For the Subs
24 meatballs (homemade or frozen)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups marinara sauce
8 hot dog buns (or hoagie rolls)
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
Instructions
Homemade Meatballs: In a bowl, mix beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt. Roll into 24 meatballs.
Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high. Brown meatballs on all sides, turning often.
Reduce heat, add marinara, stir gently, cover, and simmer 15 minutes until cooked through (160°F internal temp).
Frozen Meatballs: Heat marinara in skillet until simmering. Add frozen meatballs, cover, and cook 25 minutes until heated through.
Preheat broiler. Arrange buns on a baking sheet.
Place 3 meatballs in each bun, spoon extra sauce over top, and sprinkle with mozzarella.
Broil 2–3 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve hot with extra sauce on the side.
Notes
Lightly toast buns before filling to prevent sogginess.
Add parmesan or fresh basil for extra flavor.
For a heartier sub, use hoagie rolls instead of hot dog buns.
Freeze homemade meatballs ahead of time for faster prep.
Try layering provolone under mozzarella for extra cheesy subs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (homemade meatballs: +10 minutes)
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches / Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop + Broiler
- Cuisine: American-Italian