Homemade Meatball Subs

Jump to Recipe. MEATBALL SUBS - Yeah, they make your taste buds dance. I’m not exaggerating here when I say these are a MUST MAKE. Trust me! Homemade meatball subs hit different than the crappy fast food ones.

It’s homemade meatballs, the fresh toasted bread straight out of your oven, the homemade marinara  … it’s all of it! In a pinch, use frozen meatballs and this will be a super fast dinner, but I tell you homemade meatballs really are a game changer, they elevate the entire sandwich.

Football is coming up and these are going to be perfect for game day. The marinara recipe is super simple and quick and way better than jarred. HOT TIP: try Putting the cheese underneath the meatballs, it was like the cheese became one with the rest of the sandwich. Don’t skip this recipe, I perfected it, and you NEED it in your life.

Why You'll Love This Recipe:

• Homemade Magic: Forget those frozen meatballs! These homemade beauties are packed with flavor and juicy in every bite.

• Secret Sauce: The marinara sauce is the real MVP. It's a simple yet incredibly flavorful sauce that elevates the entire sub.

• Perfect Pairing: The combination of tender meatballs, tangy sauce, and melted cheese on a toasted sub roll is pure comfort food bliss.

Meatball Subs Recipe:

Here's the order I usually prepare the sandwich items:

1. Get your marinara gently simmering on the stove.

2. Get your meatballs going and browned, and in the oven

3. Allow Meatballs to simmer in sauce for 10 minutes.

4. Assemble Sandwiches (Cheese, meatballs and add some italian seasonings on top) + Bake at 350 around 10 minutes, checking for how toasted you like your sandwiches

Meatball Recipe:

(You can easily half this if you don't need many meatballs - just use one whole egg)

- 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs

- 1/3 cup milk I use whole milk

- 2lb ground beef

- 1 large egg

- 3-4 cloves garlic minced

- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

- 1 teaspoon salt     

- Pepper

- 1/2 t dried parsley

- 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Meatball Directions:

Take the breadcrumbs + milk mix/mash together until you've got a paste.

Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl. Using hands, mix together and then form meatballs (use about 2 ½ tbsp meat/meatball). Don't over-mix or pack them too tightly, and use a delicate touch.

Heat some oil of your choice in a large cast iron skillet and brown over med-high heat. Put on parchment lined baking sheet and bake at 350º 12-15 minutes until cooked through.

Easy Marinara Recipe:

• 3 tablespoons avocado or olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic pressed

• 1 (28 fluid ounce) can crushed tomatoes see note

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 2-3 T Brown Sugar (More or less to taste)

• 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes optional

• 1/2 teaspoon sugar or more, to taste (optional)

• Salt & pepper to taste

1. Add the oil and pressed garlic to a skillet over medium heat. Once the garlic starts to sizzle, give it a stir, and let it cook for about 30 seconds (careful! don't let it burn).

2. Stir in tomatoes and seasonings. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, reducing heat to prevent splattering. Season generously with salt and pepper.

3. Here is where I adjust seasonings if needed. Also, add in your brown sugar, 1 T at a time, until it suits your tastebuds.

4. This sauce will be quite thick (great for meatballs and pasta). If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of dry white or red wine, or a bit of pasta water to adjust consistency.