This easy meatball sandwich recipe combines juicy homemade meatballs, toasted hoagie rolls, marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Add herbed garlic butter spread (my secret ingredient) and it knocks this meatball sub out of the park!
If you like hoagie-style sandwiches, you have to try my version of the Italian Grinder. Or, if you are looking for a sandwich recipe with marinara sauce try these Baked Chicken Parm Subs.
As a kid, my parents made weekly trips to sandwich shops like Subway or Blimpie's for dinner. Although I didn't like the cold cuts, I absolutely loved the meatball sub sandwich because they're hot, saucy, and super cheesy. I've since crafted my own homemade version of a meatball hoagie and I can't wait to share the best meatball sandwich recipe!
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Why You'll Love This Meatball Sandwich Recipe
- Perfect Weeknight Meal. Homemade meatballs are so easy to make. With just a few ingredients, you can have a hearty dinner on the table in under thirty minutes. Although the meatballs are homemade, you can use store-bought which cuts the time even more!
- Customizable. There are so many ways to switch up this recipe based on personal taste or dietary needs. Everything from the meatballs and cheese to the sauce and the bread can be altered.
- Family Friendly. Everyone loves a good meatball sub (from the picky eaters to the adults with elevated taste buds) so it's an easy choice for family meals.
What is a Meatball Sandwich?
A meatball sandwich, also known as a meatball sub or hoagie, is a type of sandwich that features meatballs as the primary filling. This Italian-American sandwich includes tomato sauce, flavorful and juicy ground meat, garlic, butter, fresh herbs, and crusty bread. I mean, is your mouth watering yet?
Ingredients
In addition to a few "extra" ingredients, your focus will mainly be on the meatballs and identifying the best hoagie-style bread.
HOMEMADE MEATBALLS
- Ground Beef. It is best to use at least an 80/20 blend. I was only able to find 70/30 and had to drain excess fat. Use what works best for you!
- Egg. Works as a binder so that the meatballs do not fall apart as easy.
- Breadcrumbs. This also works as a binder to help maintain the shape and spongy consistency that you'll want the meatballs to have.
- Dry Seasonings. Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and your favorite season all. I used the 21 Salute season from Trader Joe's.
- Parsley. Curly or Italian works fine. Use fresh basil as an alternative.
- Fresh Garlic. Mince the garlic finely to avoid big chunks (if that's not your thing) or garlic paste works great too. Only use garlic powder as a last resort.
- Ketchup. This ingredient is optional but my mom and grandma always added a "lil bit of ketchup" to their homemade meatballs.
- Mayonnaise. Again, optional ingredient but Mama nem' did it so I don't stray from tradition. It really provides a rich flavor. I encourage you to try the recipe as is, I think you'll love it!
- Parmesan Cheese. Fresh is best. I do not own the store-bought grated stuff that comes in a can. Use shredded cheese such as asiago if you don't have fresh parmesan.
GARLIC BUTTER SPREAD
- Unsalted Butter. There's plenty of salt in this recipe from the meatballs, cheese, and marinara sauce. Unsalted room temperature butter will work perfectly.
- Garlic. Finely minced or garlic paste will work.
- Parsley. Curly or Italian works fine. This can be a preference, both herbs will work perfectly. In this recipe, I used curly.
ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS
- Hoagie Bread. I found the hoagie buns pictured below at my local Kroger but an Italian loaf or even French bread will suffice. They were slightly split on the side but to ensure the meatball sandwiches could be consumed neatly, I sliced down the middle of the bun. This step was extremely helpful during plating and consumption. You can use hot dog buns in a pinch but they aren't as sturdy (or as tasty).
- Marinara Sauce. Jarred spaghetti sauce is fine but if you have a homemade marinara sauce recipe, that's even better!
- Mozzarella Cheese. This cheese pairs perfectly and is great for melting.
- Parmesan Cheese. This cheese is optional but as you'll see in the recipe video, two types of cheese was added.
How to Make Meatball Sandwiches
Cook your meatballs until they're nearly done, then assemble your subs and continue to let them bake in the oven.
EASY HOMEMADE MEATBALLS
First, if you have a food scale or a small scooper, it will help to measure the meatballs. This ensures each meatball is the same size.
Combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, ketchup, mayonnaise, parsley, and parmesan in a large bowl. Then mix thoroughly until all ingredients are combined being careful not to overmix.
Use a scale or scooper in order to form meatballs into 1 oz (or 2 tablespoons) balls and set them on a lined plate or baking sheet. Then brown the meatballs in a large skillet or frying pan. Note that the meatballs do not have to cook thoroughly at this step.
HOW TO FINISH MEATBALLS
Proceed to pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs. Allow them to simmer for 15 minutes. Stir the meatballs as they cook so they are coated with the sauce.
GARLIC BUTTER SPREAD
While the meatballs simmer, prep the hoagie bread and garlic butter spread. Begin by taking a small bowl and combining the room temperature butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Stir until thoroughly combined.
Then, spread the garlic butter mixture onto the bottom of the hoagie bread (depending on how you split them open) and set on a lined baking sheet. Now, the meatballs should be cooked through and ready for final steps!
ASSEMBLE MEATBALL SANDWICH
First, take the buttered hoagie buns and slightly open them. Add 3-4 meatballs (depending on size) and add additional marinara sauce on top (if desired). Then add mozzarella balls and additional parmesan cheese.
Be sure the meatball subs are not overfilled so they maintain their structure. Be sure to bake on a lined tray for easy cleanup.
HOW TO BAKE MEATBALL SANDWICH
In this recipe, I used an air fryer and highly suggest this method if you own an air fryer! The meatball subs baked at 360 degrees in the air fryer until the cheese melted and was slightly bubbly and golden brown.
This step took about 6-8 minutes. If you are using a conventional oven, baking at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for up to five minutes should do the trick. In order to avoid overcooking the meatball subs, monitor them while baking.
RECIPE VIDEO: HOW TO MAKE MEATBALL SANDWICHES
Tips and Tricks
- It's important to note that the size of the meatballs will determine the type of hoagie style bread you will need. Any "sub-like" bread will do but you want to ensure the meatballs will nestle inside of the bun.
- Avoid overmixing. Don't overwork the meat mixture, as it can lead to tough meatballs. Instead, gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
- Choose a sturdy roll: Opt for a soft, sturdy roll like a sub or hoagie roll. This ensures the bread holds up well to the meatballs and toppings.
- If leftovers are a thing (which I highly doubt), be sure to store the ingredients separately. Simply prepare the meatball sandwiches when ready to bake.
- If using store bought, frozen meatballs, skip the meatballs section and simply add marinara to simmer until cooked through.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Assemble sandwiches with new bread when you are ready to reheat them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What toppings go on a meatball sandwich?
Aside from melted cheese and tomato sauce, you can add sliced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, pickles, olives, or even alfredo sauce.
What kind of cheese is used on a meatball sub?
The best cheeses to use for meatball sandwiches are mozzarella cheese and provolone cheese. Both cheeses are mildly flavored and melty cheeses. They are also creamy and stretchy when melted, which enhances the sandwich overall.
Can I make meatball subs in advance?
Make the meatballs ahead and store them in the fridge for even faster cooking time.
I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS MEATBALL SANDWICH RECIPE!
If you try this recipe, I'd love to see it! Share it with me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.
20 Minute Homemade Meatball Sandwich
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 12 oz Ground Beef
- 1 small Egg
- ½ cup Fresh Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon Mayo
- 1 tablespoon Ketchup
- 1.5 tablespoon Breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon 21 Salute Seasoning favorite season all
Garlic Butter Spread
- 2 tablespoon Unsalted Butter room temperature
- 1 clove Garlic finely minced
- 1 tablespoon Parsley roughly chopped
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup Marinara Sauce
- 4-6 Hoagie Bread (loaves)
- 1 cup Small Mozzarella Balls shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese
- 1 tablespoon Parsley for garnish
Instructions
Homemade Meatballs
- First, if you have a food scale or a small scooper, it will help to measure the meatballs. This ensures each meatball is the same size.
- Now, in a large bowl combine the meatball ingredients by adding ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, ketchup, mayonnaise, parsley and parmesan.
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are combined being careful not to overmix.
- Next, using a scale or scooper, form meatballs into 1oz (or 2 tablespoon) balls and set on a lined plate or baking sheet.
- In a large frying pan, begin browning the meatballs. Note, the meatballs do not have to cook thoroughly at this step.
- Now that the meatballs are cooked through, pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs and allow them to simmer for 15 minutes.
- Be careful to stir the meatballs as they cook so they are covered in the sauce.
Garlic Butter Spread
- Begin by taking a small bowl and combine the room temperature butter, minced garlic and parsley. Stir until thoroughly combined.
- Then, spread the garlic butter mixture onto the bottom of the hoagie bread (depending on how you split them open) and set on a lined baking sheet.
Assemble Meatball Sandwich
- First, take the buttered hoagie buns and slightly open them. Add 3-4 meatballs (depending on size) and add additional marinara sauce on top (if desired).
- Next, add mozzarella balls and additional parmesan cheese.
- Be sure the meatballs subs are not over filled so they maintain their structure. Be sure to bake on a lined tray for easy clean up.
How to Bake Meatball Sandwiches
- In this recipe, I used an air fryer and highly suggest this method if you own an air fryer!
- The meatball subs baked at 360 degrees in the air fryer until the cheese melted and was slightly bubbly and golden brown.
- This step took about 6-8 minutes.
- If you are using a convention oven, around 375 degrees Fahrenheit for up to five minutes should do the trick.
- Be careful not to overcook the subs so monitor while baking.
- After the meatball sandwiches are baked/cooked through, garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
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