Easy Meatball Subs

These Easy Meatball Subs are made with tender meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melted provolone cheese for a quick family dinner that’s ready in about 20 minutes. Loaded with flavor and incredibly easy to make, they’re always a family favorite.

Can you believe I had never tried a meatball sub until recently? Crazy, right?! My kids always ordered them at sandwich shops while I stuck with my usual roast beef sandwich. Then one day, while digging through my freezer, I found a bag of homemade Italian meatballs and decided it was finally time to see what all the fuss was about.

Not only were these Easy Meatball Subs ready in about 20 minutes, but the entire family loved this meatball sandwich recipe and immediately asked me to make them again. Tender meatballs simmered in marinara sauce, tucked into toasted hoagie rolls, and topped with melted provolone cheese? What’s not to love! To make them even easier, feel free to use frozen meatballs instead of homemade.

Ingredient Notes

See printable recipe card below for exact ingredients and directions.

• Meatballs: Homemade Italian meatballs add great flavor, but frozen meatballs work just as well when you’re short on time.
• Hoagie Rolls: Hoagie rolls are my favorite choice because they hold up well to the sauce without getting soggy. If needed, you can also use sub rolls or French bread, but look for a sturdy roll with a slightly crusty exterior and soft center.
• Provolone Cheese: My favorite cheese for meatball subs because it melts perfectly and adds plenty of flavor. Shredded Mozzarella or an Italian cheese blend are great alternatives.
• Marinara Sauce: Marinara sauce is the traditional sauce for meatball subs, but pasta sauce or even pizza sauce can work in a pinch. Use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade sauce.

Make Them Your Own

• Swap the provolone cheese for fresh mozzarella or an Italian cheese blend.
• Add sautéed peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
• Use homemade Italian meatballs or frozen meatballs depending on how much time you have.
• Try pizza sauce instead of marinara sauce for a slightly sweeter twist.
• Swap the hoagie rolls for homemade Buttery Bread Machine Rolls for a softer sandwich with a touch of sweetness.

How to Make Meatball Subs

These meatball sandwiches come together in just a few simple steps and can be made with either homemade or frozen meatballs.

Step 1. If using frozen meatballs, skip to Step 3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, milk, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, oregano, salt, and parsley until evenly mixed.

Step 2. Roll the mixture into 1-2 inch meatballs and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet.

Step 3. If using homemade meatballs, bake them in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes, or until cooked through. Add the meatballs and marinara sauce to a skillet or saucepan and simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes.

Step 4. Slice the hoagie rolls and toast until golden brown. Add the meatballs and a few spoonfuls of marinara sauce to each roll, then top with provolone cheese. Place the sandwiches in a 9×13 baking dish or on a baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately and enjoy!

What to Serve with Meatball Subs

Wondering what to serve alongside your meatball sandwiches? Here are a few family favorites that pair perfectly with all that cheesy, saucy goodness.

• Ultimate Potato Salad for a classic sandwich-and-sides combo.
• Macaroni and Cheese for the ultimate comfort food meal.
• Crispy Parmesan Potatoes if you’re craving a little extra comfort food.
• Easy BBQ Baked Beans for cookouts, parties, and game day.
• Fresh Fruit Salad to add something light and refreshing to the plate.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the rolls separate to prevent sogginess.
• Freezer: Freeze the meatballs and sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm the meatballs and sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Assemble sandwiches and broil for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Meatball Sub Recipe FAQs

More Sandwich Recipes You’ll Love

Tried this recipe? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and let me know what you think in the comments! You can also follow me on Pinterest for even more easy, family-friendly recipes.