Name: Meatball Subs: A Family Favorite Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; ½ pound ground pork; ½ cup breadcrumbs; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 cups marinara sauce; 4–6 hoagie rolls or sub buns; 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)

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If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that pleases everyone at the table, you can’t go wrong with Meatball Subs: A Family Favorite. The combination of juicy, savory meatballs, garlicky marinara sauce, gooey cheese, and toasty rolls is nostalgic yet utterly irresistible. This is one meal guaranteed to spark lively conversation, second helpings, and maybe even a little friendly debate over who gets the last sub. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew, hosting a game day, or just treating yourself, these subs deliver smiles with every bite.

Meatball Subs: A Family Favorite Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be surprised how a short, thoughtful list can make something extraordinary—each ingredient here brings its own magic to these Meatball Subs: A Family Favorite. From savory meats to fresh herbs and melty cheese, every element rounds out the flavors and textures in each bite.

Ground Beef: The backbone of your meatballs, bringing hearty flavor and just the right amount of fat for juiciness.
Ground Pork: Adds extra richness and tenderness to the meatballs, making each bite even more succulent.
Breadcrumbs: Serve as the binder, keeping the meatballs tender rather than dense.
Parmesan Cheese: Brings a nutty, salty note and helps lock in moisture.
Egg: Essential for binding everything together, so your meatballs hold their shape during cooking.
Garlic: Delivers a punch of flavor and aroma that’s signature to Italian comfort food.
Fresh Parsley (or dried): Gives a fresh, herbaceous lift and beautiful flecks of green.
Salt: Brings all the flavors to life—don’t skip or skimp!
Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick and balances the richness of the meats and cheese.
Italian Seasoning: Provides that classic Italian flavor profile with herbs like oregano and basil.
Marinara Sauce: Bathes the meatballs in garlicky tomato goodness; use homemade or your favorite store brand.
Hoagie Rolls or Sub Buns: Act as the sturdy, toasty vessel for all the saucy, cheesy contents.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully over the top for that irresistible, gooey finish.
Olive Oil: For searing and adding a lovely flavor—never underestimate the impact of good olive oil.

How to Make Meatball Subs: A Family Favorite

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Mixture

Time to roll up your sleeves and get hands-on! Combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a large bowl. Gently mix just until everything is blended—overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so a light touch is key. You’re aiming for a mixture that holds together without being compacted.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

With the mixture ready, scoop and roll into meatballs about 1½ inches in diameter—aim for 18 to 20 in total. Keeping them uniform helps them cook evenly and look fantastic when nestled into your sub rolls.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to crowd the pan. Let them brown for about 5 to 6 minutes, turning so they get color on all sides. This step is where that deep, savory flavor really develops.

Step 4: Simmer in Marinara

Once all the meatballs are browned, return them to the skillet and pour in the marinara sauce. Turn the heat to a gentle simmer and let the meatballs cook in the sauce for 10 to 15 minutes. Not only does this finish cooking the meatballs, it infuses them with the sweet, tangy tomato richness that makes Meatball Subs: A Family Favorite so crave-worthy.

Step 5: Assemble the Subs and Broil

While your oven broiler heats up, slice open the hoagie rolls and get ready for assembly. Fill each roll with 3 to 4 juicy meatballs, spoon over plenty of sauce, and top with a snowy mountain of shredded mozzarella. Pop them under the broiler for just a couple of minutes—watch closely!—until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to brown.

Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy!

Carefully plate up your oozy, gooey masterpieces and dig in while they’re warm. You’ll quickly understand why these are called Meatball Subs: A Family Favorite—they’re heroic comfort food that makes every meal memorable.

How to Serve Meatball Subs: A Family Favorite

Garnishes

Sprinkle on some extra grated Parmesan, fresh chopped parsley, or even a few red pepper flakes for a little zip. A drizzle of good olive oil or a scattering of basil leaves can bring freshness and a splash of color that takes these Meatball Subs: A Family Favorite over the top.

Side Dishes

Pair your subs with crispy potato wedges, a crunchy green salad, or tangy pickled veggies. Garlic knots or chips on the side add even more crowd appeal, and a cup of extra marinara for dipping never hurts!

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing one long sub into party-ready sliders, or wrap each sub in parchment and twine for picnics and game days. Let kids (and adults!) build their own at a “meatball sub bar” with bowls of toppings and sauces—a surefire way to make Meatball Subs: A Family Favorite the star of any event.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though that’s rare!), pop the meatballs and sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the rolls and cheese separate until you’re ready to build fresh, melty subs again.

Freezing

The cooked meatballs and sauce freeze beautifully—just let them cool, then stash in a labeled freezer bag or container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and you’re ready for speedy Meatball Subs: A Family Favorite any night you please.

Reheating

Warm the meatballs and sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring now and then until piping hot. Assemble with fresh rolls and cheese, then broil as usual to get everything perfectly gooey. It’s almost as delicious as when first made!

FAQs

Can I use just beef or just pork for the meatballs?

Absolutely! While the mix of beef and pork gives a lovely balanced flavor and texture, you can stick to just one meat if that’s what you have on hand. The result will still be delicious and satisfying.

Is it okay to use store-bought meatballs?

Yes! Store-bought meatballs are a handy time-saver. Just heat them in your favorite marinara sauce, pile them onto the rolls, and continue with the recipe—it’s a great shortcut for busy nights.

What’s the best bread for Meatball Subs: A Family Favorite?

Look for sturdy but soft hoagie rolls, sub buns, or even ciabatta—anything with enough heft to stand up to the saucy filling without getting soggy. Lightly toasting the bread before assembling adds extra protection and crunch.

Can I make these subs gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatballs and use your favorite gluten-free hoagie rolls. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it an easy adaptation for everyone to enjoy Meatball Subs: A Family Favorite.

How do I make the subs spicier?

For those who love a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mix or the marinara sauce. You can also serve with sliced pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of spicy hot sauce for an extra kick.

Final Thoughts

There’s something simply magical about gathering around the table to share Meatball Subs: A Family Favorite—comforting, a little messy, and completely satisfying. Give these a try and watch your family light up with every cheesy, saucy bite. I can’t wait for you to experience these subs at your own table!

Meatball Subs: A Family Favorite Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4–6 subs 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Meatball Subs are a family favorite, featuring homemade meatballs smothered in marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese, and served in warm hoagie rolls. A delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a casual dinner or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef
½ pound ground pork
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Additional Ingredients:

2 cups marinara sauce
4–6 hoagie rolls or sub buns
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)

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Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined. Shape into meatballs.
Cook the Meatballs: Brown the meatballs in olive oil in a skillet. Add marinara sauce, simmer until cooked through.
Assemble the Subs: Fill hoagie rolls with meatballs and sauce. Top with mozzarella. Broil until cheese is melted.