Craving a hearty meal that’s quick and easy? Look no further than my Easy Meatball Subs! This tasty dish combines juicy meatballs, zesty marinara, and ooey-gooey cheese, all stuffed in a warm roll. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip these up in no time. Ready to make a scrumptious sub? Dive into this guide and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Easy Meatball Subs
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 4 sub rolls
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Olive oil for drizzling
Gather these ingredients to make the best meatball subs. Each one plays a key role in flavor and texture. The ground beef gives a hearty base. Breadcrumbs hold everything together. Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick. Fresh parsley brightens up the dish. Garlic brings in deep flavor, while the egg binds the mix. Marinara sauce coats the meatballs and keeps them moist. Sub rolls hold it all, and mozzarella melts into gooey goodness.
Optional Add-Ons
– Spices for added flavor
– Extra cheese varieties
– Additional toppings (onions, peppers)
Feel free to jazz up your meatball subs! Adding spices can change the flavor. Try red pepper flakes for heat or Italian seasoning for depth. Extra cheese can make it richer. You can also add toppings like sautéed onions or sweet bell peppers. These options let you customize your subs to fit your taste. Want to explore more? Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation and Baking
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for cooking meatballs evenly.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Be sure not to overmix. Just combine it well.
3. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch wide. Place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes. They should be golden and cooked through.
5. While the meatballs bake, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir it gently as it warms.
Assembling the Subs
1. Once the meatballs are done, add them to the marinara sauce. Let them simmer for 5 minutes. This adds flavor.
2. Open the sub rolls and drizzle a bit of olive oil on the inside. This gives a nice touch.
3. Spoon the meatballs and sauce into each sub roll. Use plenty of sauce for extra flavor.
4. Top each sub with shredded mozzarella cheese. The more, the better!
Final Baking
1. Return the subs to the oven for 5-7 minutes. Bake until the cheese melts and bubbles.
2. To get the best cheese melt, you can broil for the last minute. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Follow these steps for the perfect meatball subs. Enjoy the delicious flavors!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
– How to avoid dry meatballs
To keep your meatballs moist, do not overmix the meat. Combine the ingredients gently. Adding breadcrumbs helps too. They soak up moisture and keep meatballs juicy.
– Best practices when mixing meat
Use your hands to mix the meat and other ingredients. This way, you control how much you mix. Just combine until mixed; don’t squeeze the meat too much.
– Ensuring perfect cheese melt
For a great cheese melt, place the subs in a hot oven. Bake them until the cheese bubbles. Using shredded cheese helps it melt quickly and evenly.
Serving Suggestions
– Garnishing options
Fresh parsley adds color and flavor. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper for a kick. Parmesan cheese on top gives a nice finish too.
– Side dishes that pair well
Serve your meatball subs with a side salad for freshness. Crispy fries or sweet potato fries are also great. A warm bowl of soup can round out the meal perfectly.
Variations
Alternative Meat Options
You can switch up the meat in your meatball subs. Turkey or chicken meatballs are leaner options. They still pack great flavor. Just follow the same recipe steps. You’ll get tasty results without the extra fat. If you want to try something different, go for vegetarian meatball subs. There are many great recipes using lentils or beans. These options provide a hearty texture and rich taste. You won’t miss the meat at all!
Sauce Variations
Sauce can make or break your meatball sub. You can use different marinara options to suit your taste. A roasted garlic marinara adds a nice touch. Or, try a basil marinara for a fresh twist. If you want some heat, consider spicy sauce additions. A dash of red pepper flakes can spice things up. You can also mix in hot sauce for more kick. Customize your sauce to make each sub unique!
Bread Variations
The bread you choose can change everything. Using different types of rolls can add fun. A soft hoagie roll is classic, but a crusty baguette works too. Don’t forget about gluten-free options. There are many tasty gluten-free rolls available. They make it easy for everyone to enjoy meatball subs. No matter what bread you choose, it should hold the filling well. This keeps your subs messy-free and delicious!
For the full recipe, check out the instructions above.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your meatball subs fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You should eat them within three days for the best taste.
For meal prep, freezing works well. Wrap each sub tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. They can stay fresh for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat your meatball subs, use the oven for the best texture. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the subs on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 15 minutes. This makes the bread crispy and the cheese melty.
If you’re in a hurry, use the microwave. Just place the sub on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes. Check to see if it is warm throughout. Keep in mind, the bread might get soft this way. For more flavor, drizzle a bit of olive oil on top before reheating.
Remember to enjoy your meatball subs with a side of extra marinara sauce for dipping. It’s a great way to add flavor back into your meal! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section.
FAQs
What can I substitute for breadcrumbs?
You can use crushed crackers or oats. Ground almonds work well too. For gluten-free diets, try almond flour or crushed cornflakes. These options help bind your meatballs while adding flavor.
How do I keep meatballs moist?
To keep meatballs moist, do not overmix the meat. Add an egg and some grated cheese. These ingredients help trap moisture. Cooking them in sauce also keeps them tender.
Can I make meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can make meatballs ahead. Form them and place on a tray. Freeze them before cooking for later use. You can also cook them and store in the fridge. Reheat them in sauce for quick meals.
What other cheeses can I use besides mozzarella?
You can use provolone or gouda for a different taste. Feta adds a nice tangy touch. For a sharper flavor, try aged cheddar. Each cheese will give your meatball subs a unique twist.
For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].
You learned how to make easy meatball subs with simple steps. We covered main ingredients, from ground beef to marinara sauce. I shared tips on avoiding dry meatballs and suggested variations like turkey or veggie options. Remember, you can store leftovers for later use. Get creative with sauces and toppings to suit your taste. Enjoy making this dish with your own twists! Simple, fun, and delicious—meatball subs are a win for any meal.
![- 1 pound ground beef - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1 egg, beaten - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups marinara sauce - 4 sub rolls - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Olive oil for drizzling Gather these ingredients to make the best meatball subs. Each one plays a key role in flavor and texture. The ground beef gives a hearty base. Breadcrumbs hold everything together. Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick. Fresh parsley brightens up the dish. Garlic brings in deep flavor, while the egg binds the mix. Marinara sauce coats the meatballs and keeps them moist. Sub rolls hold it all, and mozzarella melts into gooey goodness. - Spices for added flavor - Extra cheese varieties - Additional toppings (onions, peppers) Feel free to jazz up your meatball subs! Adding spices can change the flavor. Try red pepper flakes for heat or Italian seasoning for depth. Extra cheese can make it richer. You can also add toppings like sautéed onions or sweet bell peppers. These options let you customize your subs to fit your taste. Want to explore more? Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for cooking meatballs evenly. 2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Be sure not to overmix. Just combine it well. 3. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch wide. Place them on a baking sheet. 4. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes. They should be golden and cooked through. 5. While the meatballs bake, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir it gently as it warms. 1. Once the meatballs are done, add them to the marinara sauce. Let them simmer for 5 minutes. This adds flavor. 2. Open the sub rolls and drizzle a bit of olive oil on the inside. This gives a nice touch. 3. Spoon the meatballs and sauce into each sub roll. Use plenty of sauce for extra flavor. 4. Top each sub with shredded mozzarella cheese. The more, the better! 1. Return the subs to the oven for 5-7 minutes. Bake until the cheese melts and bubbles. 2. To get the best cheese melt, you can broil for the last minute. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Follow these steps for the perfect meatball subs. Enjoy the delicious flavors! - How to avoid dry meatballs To keep your meatballs moist, do not overmix the meat. Combine the ingredients gently. Adding breadcrumbs helps too. They soak up moisture and keep meatballs juicy. - Best practices when mixing meat Use your hands to mix the meat and other ingredients. This way, you control how much you mix. Just combine until mixed; don’t squeeze the meat too much. - Ensuring perfect cheese melt For a great cheese melt, place the subs in a hot oven. Bake them until the cheese bubbles. Using shredded cheese helps it melt quickly and evenly. - Garnishing options Fresh parsley adds color and flavor. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper for a kick. Parmesan cheese on top gives a nice finish too. - Side dishes that pair well Serve your meatball subs with a side salad for freshness. Crispy fries or sweet potato fries are also great. A warm bowl of soup can round out the meal perfectly. {{image_2}} You can switch up the meat in your meatball subs. Turkey or chicken meatballs are leaner options. They still pack great flavor. Just follow the same recipe steps. You'll get tasty results without the extra fat. If you want to try something different, go for vegetarian meatball subs. There are many great recipes using lentils or beans. These options provide a hearty texture and rich taste. You won't miss the meat at all! Sauce can make or break your meatball sub. You can use different marinara options to suit your taste. A roasted garlic marinara adds a nice touch. Or, try a basil marinara for a fresh twist. If you want some heat, consider spicy sauce additions. A dash of red pepper flakes can spice things up. You can also mix in hot sauce for more kick. Customize your sauce to make each sub unique! The bread you choose can change everything. Using different types of rolls can add fun. A soft hoagie roll is classic, but a crusty baguette works too. Don't forget about gluten-free options. There are many tasty gluten-free rolls available. They make it easy for everyone to enjoy meatball subs. No matter what bread you choose, it should hold the filling well. This keeps your subs messy-free and delicious! For the full recipe, check out the instructions above. To keep your meatball subs fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You should eat them within three days for the best taste. For meal prep, freezing works well. Wrap each sub tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. They can stay fresh for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat your meatball subs, use the oven for the best texture. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the subs on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 15 minutes. This makes the bread crispy and the cheese melty. If you’re in a hurry, use the microwave. Just place the sub on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes. Check to see if it is warm throughout. Keep in mind, the bread might get soft this way. For more flavor, drizzle a bit of olive oil on top before reheating. Remember to enjoy your meatball subs with a side of extra marinara sauce for dipping. It’s a great way to add flavor back into your meal! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. You can use crushed crackers or oats. Ground almonds work well too. For gluten-free diets, try almond flour or crushed cornflakes. These options help bind your meatballs while adding flavor. To keep meatballs moist, do not overmix the meat. Add an egg and some grated cheese. These ingredients help trap moisture. Cooking them in sauce also keeps them tender. Yes, you can make meatballs ahead. Form them and place on a tray. Freeze them before cooking for later use. You can also cook them and store in the fridge. Reheat them in sauce for quick meals. You can use provolone or gouda for a different taste. Feta adds a nice tangy touch. For a sharper flavor, try aged cheddar. Each cheese will give your meatball subs a unique twist. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. You learned how to make easy meatball subs with simple steps. We covered main ingredients, from ground beef to marinara sauce. I shared tips on avoiding dry meatballs and suggested variations like turkey or veggie options. Remember, you can store leftovers for later use. Get creative with sauces and toppings to suit your taste. Enjoy making this dish with your own twists! Simple, fun, and delicious—meatball subs are a win for any meal.](https://recipespursuit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/e71f63c9-053c-420c-bbd6-62c969497634-250x250.webp)