A classic Meatball Sub is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese in a warm, toasty sub roll. This recipe is perfect for a hearty lunch or a quick weeknight dinner. You'll get juicy, flavorful meatballs topped with gooey mozzarella, all packed into a crunchy sandwich. Simple, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.
Prepare the Meatballs. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Form the Meatballs. Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter.
Cook the Meatballs. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through.
Simmer in Sauce. Once the meatballs are cooked, pour in the marinara sauce. Reduce the heat and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes to soak up the flavors.
Assemble the Subs. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice open the sub rolls and place them on a baking sheet. Spoon meatballs and sauce into each roll, then sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.
Bake the Subs. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Optionally, broil for an additional minute for a golden finish.
Serve. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve immediately.
Use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for even juicier and more flavorful meatballs. Toast the sub rolls lightly before assembling for extra crunch. Add a layer of sautéed onions and peppers for added texture and flavor. For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.