If you’re craving a warm, cheesy, and saucy sandwich, this Meatball Sub Recipe is the perfect choice! Made with juicy homemade meatballs, crispy garlic-toasted hoagie rolls, and melty provolone cheese, this hearty meat sandwich is packed with flavor and perfect for lunch, dinner, or game day.

Whether you’re looking for meatball subs with homemade meatballs, a classic hoagie roll sandwich, or a cheesy, crispy garlic sub, this recipe has it all. Serve it alongside cheese spaghetti or a simple salad for a complete meal!

Why You’ll Love This Meatball Sub Recipe

Juicy, Flavorful Meatballs – Made from scratch with a blend of beef, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan.
Crispy Garlic Hoagie Rolls – Toasted with butter and garlic for extra crunch and flavor.
Rich & Cheesy – Covered in marinara sauce and melted provolone cheese.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for weeknight dinners, football parties, or meal prep.
Easy to Customize – Add spicy sauce, extra cheese, or different bread options.

Ingredients for Meatball Sub Recipe

For the Homemade Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork)
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the Marinara Sauce:

2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano

For the Sub Sandwiches:

4 hoagie rolls (or Italian sub rolls)
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
4 slices provolone cheese (or mozzarella)
¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make these homemade meatball subs, you’ll need:

Mixing bowls
Large skillet or baking sheet
Oven or broiler
Saucepan
Basting brush (for buttering rolls)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Meatball Subs

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Add milk and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place on a plate.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add meatballs and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and fully cooked.
Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Simmer the Marinara Sauce

In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add marinara sauce, garlic powder, and oregano. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Return the meatballs to the sauce and coat well. Let simmer for another 5 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Hoagie Rolls

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise, leaving one side attached.
Mix melted butter with garlic powder and brush onto the inside of each roll.
Toast in the oven for 5 minutes, until golden and crispy.

Step 5: Assemble the Meatball Subs

Place 3-4 meatballs inside each toasted hoagie roll.
Spoon extra marinara sauce over the meatballs.
Lay a slice of provolone cheese over the top.
Bake for 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and is bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley.
Serve hot with a side of cheese spaghetti, fries, or a salad.

Expert Tips for the Best Meatball Sub Recipe

Use fresh hoagie rolls – Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.
Don’t overmix the meatball mixture – This keeps the meatballs juicy.
Broil for extra crispiness – Place under the broiler for 2 minutes for a golden cheese crust.
Make ahead – Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce for a quick meal later.
Want extra cheesy subs? – Add shredded mozzarella or provolone on top before baking.

Fun Variations of Meatball Subs

Spicy Meatball Sub – Add jalapeños or crushed red pepper for a kick.
BBQ Meatball Sub – Swap marinara for BBQ sauce and add cheddar cheese.
Meatball Parmesan Sub – Use extra Parmesan cheese and a thick tomato sauce.
Vegetarian Meatball Sub – Use plant-based meatballs and vegan cheese.

How to Store & Keep Your Meatball Sub Fresh

Refrigerate: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze meatballs and sauce separately for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

Serving Ideas and Presentation Tips

Pair with a side of cheese spaghetti for a full Italian meal.
Serve with crispy fries or garlic bread.
Top with extra marinara and Parmesan for an extra saucy sub.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Meatball Subs

Using soft rolls – Hoagie rolls should be toasted for structure and crispiness.
Skipping the cheese melt – Broiling helps blend flavors and creates a gooey texture.
Not seasoning the meatballs well – Flavorful meatballs make the best sub.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with Meatball Subs

Cheese spaghetti or baked ziti
Garlic parmesan fries
Caesar salad or coleslaw
Roasted vegetables or grilled asparagus

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this recipe with frozen meatballs?
Yes! Just thaw and heat in marinara sauce before assembling.

2. Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda work great.

3. How do I prevent a soggy sub?
Toast the hoagie rolls before assembling, and don’t overload with sauce.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

This Meatball Sub Recipe is a cheesy, saucy, and satisfying sandwich that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game day, or anytime you need an indulgent meal. Whether you love crispy garlic hoagie rolls, homemade meatballs, or gooey melted cheese, this sub is a must-try!

Try this homemade meatball sub recipe today and share your results! Tag us on social media and subscribe for more meat sandwich and Italian recipes!