Introduction

Turkey Meatball Subs with Marinara Sauce is the ultimate comfort food sandwich — hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Juicy turkey meatballs are simmered in a rich, garlicky marinara sauce, then nestled into toasted sub rolls and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

It’s a perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and tangy flavors — every bite gives you tender meatballs soaked in tomato goodness, paired with soft bread and gooey cheese. Whether for lunch, dinner, or game day, this dish is a hit with everyone.

This recipe gives you all the cozy vibes of Italian comfort food while keeping it a little lighter with lean ground turkey instead of beef or pork.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes a classic Italian-American favorite and makes it just a bit healthier — without losing any of the indulgence. The turkey meatballs are tender and full of flavor thanks to garlic, herbs, and Parmesan, and the homemade marinara sauce ties everything together perfectly.

The melted cheese on top makes it pure comfort, while the toasted bread adds that satisfying crunch. It’s a complete meal in one sandwich — protein, carbs, and flavor-packed sauce all in perfect harmony.

Plus, it’s an easy recipe to prepare in under an hour and great for family dinners or parties.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Healthier comfort food — all the flavor of a meatball sub with lean turkey.
• Perfect for any occasion — weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or game day.
• Customizable — you can tweak seasonings, sauces, and toppings to your liking.
• Make-ahead friendly — meatballs can be frozen for future meals.
• Cheesy, saucy, and hearty — it satisfies every comfort food craving!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 4 subs
• Calories: ~520 kcal per serving

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Main Course / Sandwich
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Turkey Meatballs:

• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 2 cups crushed tomatoes (or tomato puree)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Assembly:

• 4 sub rolls or hoagie buns
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter (for toasting bread)
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix gently until combined — do not overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
3. Shape into 1 1/2-inch balls (about 12–14 meatballs).

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the meatballs in batches and cook for 5–6 minutes, turning to brown on all sides.
3. Transfer to a plate (they don’t need to be fully cooked through yet).

Step 3: Make the Marinara Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and sauté onion until soft (about 3 minutes).
2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a simmer, then add the browned meatballs back into the sauce.
5. Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes on low heat until meatballs are fully cooked and sauce thickens.

Step 4: Prepare the Sub Rolls

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice rolls in half lengthwise, leaving one edge connected.
3. Spread a little butter on the inside and toast in the oven for 5–7 minutes, until lightly golden.

Step 5: Assemble the Subs

1. Place 3–4 meatballs inside each toasted sub roll.
2. Spoon extra marinara sauce over the top.
3. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
4. Return to the oven and bake until cheese is melted and bubbly (about 5–7 minutes).

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

• Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
• Serve hot with a side of salad, fries, or chips.

How to Serve

Serve your Turkey Meatball Subs hot, fresh out of the oven, with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
They pair wonderfully with:

• Crispy potato wedges or garlic fries
• Caesar or garden salad
• Pickles or coleslaw for a refreshing side

Recipe Tips

• Mix gently: Overmixing the meatball mixture makes them dense.
• Add moisture: A bit of milk or grated onion keeps meatballs juicy.
• Shortcut: Use store-bought marinara sauce for a quick version.
• Toasting rolls: Prevents sogginess when you add the sauce.
• Make it cheesy: Add provolone or a slice of melted mozzarella for extra indulgence.

Variations

1. Spicy Meatball Subs: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the meatballs and sauce.
2. BBQ Meatball Subs: Replace marinara with barbecue sauce and top with cheddar.
3. Turkey Parmesan Sub: Add extra marinara, more Parmesan, and bake longer for a crispy crust.
4. Mini Sliders: Use smaller rolls for party-style mini sandwiches.
5. Low-carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or on lettuce wraps instead of bread.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover meatballs with sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs (with or without sauce) for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently in a skillet or microwave.
• Bread: Toast fresh rolls when ready to assemble for best texture.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Oven or toaster oven

FAQ

Q1: Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, then simmer in sauce.

Q2: Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Absolutely — it saves time and still tastes great.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, cook the meatballs and sauce in advance and refrigerate up to 2 days before assembling.

Q4: How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?
Toast the rolls before adding sauce and assemble just before serving.

Q5: Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken works beautifully as a substitute.

Conclusion

Turkey Meatball Subs with Marinara Sauce is a comforting, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish that’s both wholesome and hearty. With juicy turkey meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce and topped with gooey melted cheese, it’s everything you want in a warm sandwich.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, game day, or just craving something cozy, this recipe delivers every single time. Once you make it, you’ll never go back to store-bought subs again — it’s that good!