If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, look no further than these meatball subs with marinara sauce. The tender, juicy meatballs are nestled in a soft sub roll, smothered in tangy marinara sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese.
Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, these subs are always a hit. With their perfect combination of savory, cheesy, and saucy goodness, they’ll quickly become a family favorite.
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Why You’ll Love These Meatball Subs With Marinara Sauce
- Comforting and Satisfying: Perfectly seasoned meatballs in marinara sauce, all wrapped up in a soft, toasted sub roll.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for feeding a family or a group; everyone loves a meatball sub.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the type of cheese or add extra toppings like sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Quick and Easy: A simple recipe that comes together in no time, ideal for busy weeknights or casual meals.
- Freezer-Friendly: These meatball subs can be made ahead of time and frozen for later use, saving you time in the future.
Here is Part 2 of the blog post for Meatball Subs With Marinara Sauce, featuring the ingredient list and step-by-step instructions for making this delicious dish:
Ingredients For Meatball Subs With Marinara Sauce
For a perfect meatball sub, you’ll need a few simple ingredients to create a savory, satisfying meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade, if preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembling the Subs:
- 4 sub rolls (preferably soft and slightly crusty)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Step By Step Instruction To Make Meatball Subs With Marinara Sauce
Follow these easy steps to create your delicious meatball subs:
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, egg, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
PRO TIP: For the best texture, don’t overwork the meat mixture—mix just until combined.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Shape the meat mixture into 12-16 evenly sized meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You can use a cookie scoop for uniformity.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Simmer in Marinara Sauce
In the same skillet, pour in the marinara sauce. Stir in the red pepper flakes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Return the meatballs to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
PRO TIP: If your skillet is too small, you can transfer the meatballs and sauce to a large saucepan.
Step 5: Toast the Sub Rolls
While the meatballs are simmering, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the sub rolls and lightly toast them on a baking sheet in the oven for 5 minutes until warm and slightly crispy.
Step 6: Assemble the Meatball Subs
Once the rolls are toasted, spoon a few meatballs and plenty of marinara sauce into each sub roll. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Place the subs back in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy the warm, cheesy, meaty goodness!
FAQs or Tips
Here are some helpful tips and answers to common questions for making perfect meatball subs:
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish. Just be aware that poultry tends to be a bit drier, so consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil or using a mix of light and dark meat for more moisture.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time, freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to cook, just simmer them directly from frozen in the marinara sauce.
What can I use if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers, oats, or even grated cheese. Just make sure to adjust the quantity if using alternatives to ensure the meatball mixture isn’t too wet or too dry.
How long will leftovers keep?
Leftover meatball subs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Can I freeze the assembled subs?
Yes, you can freeze the meatball subs before baking. Assemble the subs, wrap them tightly in foil, and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-40 minutes, or until the meatballs are heated through.
Variations or Serving Suggestions
Here are some ways to customize or serve your meatball subs:
- Try Different Cheeses: Swap mozzarella for provolone, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Make it Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
- Add Veggies: Top the subs with sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for an extra veggie boost.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free sub rolls and breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Serve with:
- A side salad: A simple green salad or Caesar salad works perfectly alongside meatball subs.
- Chips or fries: Classic sides like crispy fries or potato chips add crunch and complement the soft, saucy subs.
Nutrition + Summary
Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 |
| Total Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Cholesterol | 80mg |
| Sodium | 850mg |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 7g |
| Protein | 32g |
Meatball Subs With Marinara Sauce are a classic comfort food that’s hearty, satisfying, and easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a simple meal for your family, these subs offer irresistible flavors and textures that will please everyone. With juicy meatballs, flavorful marinara sauce, and melted cheese in a toasted sub roll, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a favorite.
Disclaimer: Nutritional information on this blog is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and portions. We are not nutritionists and recommend consulting a professional for specific dietary advice.
