Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs

Sometimes, nothing hits the spot quite like a cheesy, saucy, messy-in-the-best-way meatball sub. Picture this: golden toasted buns piled high with juicy homemade meatballs, smothered in marinara, and blanketed under gooey melted mozzarella. It’s hearty, cozy, and exactly what you want after a long day.

The best part? These Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs don’t require hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a family-friendly dinner on the table in under an hour. Trust me, once you take that first bite—bread soaking up the sauce, cheese pulling in strings, and tender meatballs bursting with flavor—you’ll wonder why this isn’t on your weekly rotation already.

Recipe Origin

Meatball subs have their roots in Italian-American cooking, where the love for marinara, meatballs, and cheese meets the comfort of a soft roll. They became a deli and pizzeria classic in the U.S., beloved for being hearty, portable, and oh-so-satisfying. This version keeps the spirit of the original but streamlines it for busy weeknights.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet or skillet (for cooking the meatballs)
• Saucepan (for warming marinara sauce)
• Baking dish (if finishing subs in the oven)
• Spoon or ladle
• Oven-safe tray for assembling subs

Why You’ll Love Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs

Quick Comfort

Hearty, cheesy, saucy—and on the table in less than an hour.

Family-Friendly

A hit with kids and adults alike. Bonus: little hands can help assemble!

Customizable

Use homemade or frozen meatballs, switch up the cheese, or add toppings like peppers or onions.

Budget-Friendly

Simple pantry ingredients come together for maximum flavor without breaking the bank.

Crowd-Pleasing

Perfect for game nights, casual get-togethers, or when you just need a dinner everyone will actually eat.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Toast the buns before adding meatballs to prevent sogginess.
• Simmer meatballs in the sauce for extra flavor and juiciness.
• Melt cheese under the broiler for that golden bubbly finish.
• Make ahead: Prepare meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer for quicker weeknight meals.

Ingredients in Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs

(Note: the full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.)

Ground Beef

Lean but flavorful, it’s the star of your homemade meatballs.

Panko Breadcrumbs

Light and airy, helping the meatballs hold their shape without being heavy.

Egg

Acts as the binder that keeps everything together.

Garlic

Fresh and aromatic for bold flavor in every bite.

Italian Seasoning

A fragrant mix of herbs that gives the meatballs their classic Italian taste.

Red Pepper Flakes

Adds just a touch of heat to balance the richness.

Salt

Simple seasoning that makes all the other flavors shine.

Olive Oil

Used for cooking the meatballs and adding a little richness.

Marinara Sauce

Tomatoey, herby, and the perfect saucy base for the subs.

Hot Dog Buns

Soft and sturdy enough to hold all that cheesy, saucy goodness.

Mozzarella

Melted on top until gooey, stretchy, and irresistible.

Instructions

Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, panko, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix or they’ll get tough. Roll into 1-inch balls.

Cook the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the meatballs until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10–12 minutes. Alternatively, bake them on a lined sheet pan at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes.

Warm the Sauce

In a saucepan, heat marinara sauce until simmering. Add the cooked meatballs and let them soak up the flavors for 5–10 minutes.

Assemble the Subs

Toast buns lightly. Spoon 3 meatballs with sauce into each bun. Top generously with mozzarella.

Melt the Cheese

Place subs on a baking sheet and broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve and Enjoy

Grab napkins—this is delightfully messy in all the right ways!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8 subs
Calories per serving: ~390 (depending on bun and cheese used)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs

These subs are a meal on their own, but they pair perfectly with:

• Crispy fries or potato wedges
• A simple green salad for freshness
• Garlic bread (because more carbs = more joy)
• Pickles or coleslaw for crunch and contrast

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Prep Ahead: Make the meatballs the night before and refrigerate.
• Storage: Store leftover meatballs and sauce separately from buns in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Reheat in marinara before serving.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Sub: Add jalapeños or use spicy marinara.
• Cheese Lovers: Mix in provolone or parmesan along with mozzarella.
• Veggie Boost: Add sautéed peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
• Turkey Meatballs: Swap beef for ground turkey for a leaner option.

Additional Tips

• Don’t skip toasting the buns—it really makes the texture perfect.
• If you like extra saucy subs, serve with a side of marinara for dipping.
• Make them mini! Use slider buns for party-perfect bites.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought frozen meatballs?
A1: Absolutely—just heat them in marinara before assembling.

Q2: Can I use a different cheese?
A2: Yes! Provolone, cheddar, or even pepper jack work beautifully.

Q3: Do I have to broil the cheese?
A3: No, you can simply let it melt from the heat of the meatballs—but broiling gives it that bubbly, golden finish.

Q4: Can I meal prep these subs?
A4: Prep the meatballs and sauce ahead, then assemble and bake fresh when ready to eat.

Q5: How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?
A5: Toast them first, and don’t overdo the sauce.

Q6: Can I double this recipe?
A6: Yes! Great for feeding a crowd or freezing extra meatballs for later.

Conclusion

These Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs are the definition of comfort food made simple. With juicy homemade meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and plenty of melty mozzarella tucked into a warm toasted bun, every bite is saucy, cheesy perfection. They’re quick enough for a busy weeknight, customizable for any taste, and guaranteed to bring smiles around the table.

Once you try them, you’ll see why this classic never goes out of style.

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