If you have ever craved a comforting, hearty sandwich that brings a cozy smile to your face in minutes, then this Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub Recipe is exactly what you need. Perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without a fuss, this sandwich combines juicy, flavorful meatballs with rich marinara and gooey mozzarella, all hugged by toasty buns. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure, and once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again when dinner calls for real comfort in a simple, satisfying package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, coming together to create a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the savory meatballs to the tangy marinara and melty cheese, these simple elements are the stars that make this dish shine.
- 1 pound ground beef (95% lean): This lean beef keeps the meatballs juicy but not greasy.
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs: Adds a light crunch and helps bind the meatballs perfectly.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to keep the meatballs together beautifully.
- 1-2 garlic cloves (minced): Brings aromatic flavor with just the right punch of garlic.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the meatballs with classic Italian vibes.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the savory flavors perfectly.
- 24 meatballs (homemade or frozen): The hearty centerpiece of the sub that packs in the protein and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps brown the meatballs to a beautiful golden crust and adds richness.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: A tangy, tomato-rich sauce that coats the meatballs with warmth and moisture.
- 8 hot dog buns: Soft and sturdy buns are perfect to hold all that delicious filling without falling apart.
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese: Melts to gooey perfection, tying the whole sub together.
How to Make Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Meatballs
Start by mixing the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt in a bowl until everything is just combined. Roll this mixture into uniform 24 meatballs — this makes sure every bite is consistent. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs until they’re browned on all sides, which seals in their juices and adds lovely texture.
Step 2: Simmer Meatballs in Marinara
Once browned, pour in the marinara sauce, making sure all meatballs are covered. Let them simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This step lets the flavors meld beautifully and ensures the meatballs soak up that classic tomatoey goodness.
Step 3: Assemble and Melt the Cheese
Preheat your oven’s broiler or a toaster oven. Slice each hot dog bun lengthwise but not all the way through — this way they can cradle the meatballs. Spoon 3 meatballs into each bun, ladling extra marinara sauce over them for that perfect saucy bite. Top generously with mozzarella cheese. Place the subs on a baking sheet under the broiler just until the mozzarella melts and bubbles delightfully, about 2-4 minutes. Keep a close eye so they don’t burn!
How to Serve Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens this rich sandwich. If you like a touch of heat, a few red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce make great add-ons.
Side Dishes
Pair your meatball sub with crisp, refreshing sides like a light Caesar salad or crunchy coleslaw to balance the richness. Oven-baked fries or sweet potato wedges also complement the sub really well, offering a comforting, familiar vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling playful? Turn these subs into a party platter by slicing them into smaller sliders — perfect for sharing! Or, add caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms inside for an extra layer of flavor that turns this simple sub into a gourmet sandwich experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the meatballs separate from the buns to prevent sogginess — reassemble just before reheating.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked meatballs in marinara sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container. They last up to 3 months frozen and thaw quickly when you’re ready for a quick supper.
Reheating
Reheat meatballs gently in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through. Toast the buns separately in the oven or toaster to keep them crispy. Then assemble your sub and melt the cheese under the broiler for a fresh-from-the-oven feel!
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs instead of homemade?
Absolutely! Frozen meatballs are a great shortcut and work perfectly in this Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub Recipe. Just thaw and heat them gently in the marinara sauce before assembling your subs.
What type of buns work best for this meatball sub?
Soft yet sturdy buns, like hot dog buns or hoagie rolls, are ideal because they hold all the juicy meatballs and sauce without falling apart. They also toast up beautifully under the broiler.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute the meatballs with your favorite vegetarian or plant-based meatballs. The rest of the recipe stays the same and will be just as satisfying.
How spicy is the recipe with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle, warming heat but don’t overpower the dish. You can adjust or omit them based on your spice preference to make it milder or spicier.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly once assembled?
It’s best to freeze the meatballs and sauce separately. Once assembled with buns and cheese, freezing can affect the texture of the bread and melt the cheese in undesired ways.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a warm, flavorful meal that comes together quickly and satisfies everyone around the table, you absolutely have to try this Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub Recipe. It’s simple, comforting, and endlessly customizable — the perfect answer to busy weeknight dinners. Trust me, once you make these subs, they’ll become one of your go-to recipes that everyone loves.
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Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub recipe is a delicious and satisfying sandwich perfect for a quick dinner. Featuring tender homemade or frozen meatballs simmered in marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese, and served in warm hot dog buns, this classic Italian-American favorite is simple to prepare and full of comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef (95% lean)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1–2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Sub Assembly
- 24 meatballs, homemade or frozen
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 8 hot dog buns
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Form into 24 small meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Alternatively, if using frozen meatballs, cook according to package instructions.
- Simmer in Sauce: Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the meatballs and reduce heat to low. Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ensure meatballs are heated through.
- Assemble the Subs: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the hot dog buns lengthwise, leaving one side attached to act as a hinge. Place 3 meatballs with sauce inside each bun, and top evenly with mozzarella cheese.
- Melt the Cheese: Place the assembled subs on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the subs from the oven and serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh basil or parsley for extra flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef to lighten the meatballs.
- Use store-bought frozen meatballs for an even quicker meal.
- For extra spice, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinara.
- Toast the buns lightly before assembling for added texture.
- Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
