Classic Meatball Subs with Marinara and Mozzarella
Sink your teeth into these Classic Meatball Subs with Marinara and Mozzarella! Juicy homemade meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella are tucked into toasted sub rolls for the ultimate comfort food sandwich.
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- For the Marinara Sauce:
- 2 cups tomato sauce (or marinara sauce)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- For the Subs:
- 4 sub rolls (6–8 inch)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: extra grated Parmesan for topping
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the Meatballs: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian herbs, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing for tender meatballs. Shape mixture into 12–16 meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Step 2: Bake the Meatballs: Place meatballs on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Step 3: Prepare the Marinara Sauce: While meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Add tomato sauce, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Add baked meatballs to the simmering marinara sauce and coat evenly.
- Step 5: Assemble the Subs: Preheat the broiler (or oven to 375°F/190°C). Slice sub rolls open without cutting all the way through. Place 3–4 meatballs per roll, spooning sauce over them. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously on top. Place assembled subs under the broiler for 2–4 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.