. To make meatballs, you need to mix the ingredients well. In a big bowl, combine: - 1 lb ground beef - 1/2 lb ground pork - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste Use your hands to mix everything. Be gentle. You want the meat to stay tender. After mixing, roll the mixture into small meatballs. Aim for 1 to 1.5 inches in size. Place them on a baking sheet. Next, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key. A hot oven helps the meatballs cook evenly. Bake the meatballs for 20 to 25 minutes. They should turn golden brown and be fully cooked. While the meatballs bake, prepare the sub rolls. Cut them in half lengthwise, but don’t cut all the way. Place them on a lined baking sheet. Once the meatballs are done, heat a jar of marinara sauce in a pan. Add the meatballs to the sauce. Let them simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. This step adds great flavor. Now, it’s time to fill the subs. Spoon 3 to 4 meatballs, along with some sauce, into each roll. Top each sub with shredded mozzarella cheese. You can use about 1 cup total for all the subs. Finally, place the assembled subs back in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and bubble. After that, they are ready to enjoy! To make great meatballs, avoid overworking the meat mixture. When you mix, do it gently. If you press too hard, the meatballs can turn tough. This will help keep them juicy. Browning your meatballs adds flavor. You can sear them in a hot pan with a bit of oil before baking. This step gives a nice crust and deep taste. Remember, a good crust means more flavor in your subs. When it comes to cheese, mozzarella is the best choice for melting. It gets all stretchy and gooey. You can also mix in provolone for a twist. Both work well in your meatball subs. Bake your assembled subs for about 5-7 minutes. This time allows the cheese to melt perfectly without burning. Keep an eye on them to catch that golden-brown color. Presentation matters! Serve your meatball subs on a wooden board. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This makes them look fancy and appetizing. Pair your subs with a side salad or some crispy chips. A cold drink like soda or iced tea complements the meal well. Enjoy your tasty creation and share it with friends! For the full recipe, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can switch up the meatballs to suit your taste. Turkey and chicken meatballs are great for a lighter meal. They have a nice flavor and are lower in fat. If you want a plant-based option, try vegetarian meatballs made from lentils or beans. They add a unique twist. For flavor, you can mix in some herbs. Try adding basil or oregano for a fresh taste. You can also use different spices like cumin for a kick. Experiment with cheese, too! Mixing in feta or cheddar can change the whole vibe of your subs. You don’t have to stick with marinara sauce. You can make your own at home or grab a jar from the store. Homemade sauce tastes fresh and lets you control the flavor. If you're short on time, a good store-bought sauce works just fine. Other sauce choices can really jazz up your meatball sub. Alfredo sauce gives a creamy touch, while pesto adds a herby flavor. You can even try barbecue sauce for a smoky taste. The options are endless! The bread you choose makes a big difference. Classic sub rolls are soft and hold the meatballs well. You can use hoagie rolls or baguettes for a crunchier bite. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free sub rolls at your local store. You can also use lettuce wraps for a low-carb choice. Just be sure to layer your meatballs carefully so everything stays together. For the full recipe, check out the Easy Meatball Subs section above! To keep your meatball subs fresh, wrap them in foil or plastic wrap. This practice helps keep moisture in and prevents them from drying out. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, freezing is a great option. You can freeze your assembled subs for quick meals later. Just wrap each sub tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This double layer protects them from freezer burn. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. When reheating, you have a couple of choices. The microwave heats fast but can make the bread soggy. Instead, try using an oven for the best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the subs on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. To keep the bread crispy, cover the subs loosely with foil for the first half of the reheating time. This method allows the cheese to melt while keeping the bread nice and crunchy. Now you're ready to enjoy your meatball subs anytime! For more details, check the Full Recipe. Yes, you can prepare meatballs in advance. Form the meatballs and place them on a tray. Cover them with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This keeps them fresh and ready to cook. If you want to store them longer, freeze them. Just freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to cook, bake them straight from frozen. This saves time on busy days. If you want a change from marinara sauce, try some fun options. You can use Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist. Pesto also works great for a fresh, herby flavor. BBQ sauce adds a smoky taste that kids love. For a spicy kick, try sriracha mixed with tomato sauce. These options keep things interesting and tasty. Making a gluten-free meatball sub is easy. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones for the meatballs. Make sure to check the labels on sauces and rolls. Look for gluten-free sub rolls at your local store. There are many tasty brands available now. This way, everyone can enjoy a delicious meatball sub! To boost the flavor, use fresh herbs like basil or oregano. You can mix in chopped onions or bell peppers for a crunch. Try adding red pepper flakes for some heat. For toppings, consider sliced olives or banana peppers. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice touch. These small changes make a big difference in taste. You can also check [Full Recipe] for more ideas! In this article, I shared how to make easy meatball subs. We covered main ingredients like ground beef and pork, along with optional add-ins. You learned about tools and step-by-step instructions, from preparing to baking the meatballs. Tips on cooking and serving will help you create the perfect dish. Remember, there are many variations and storage methods. Now, with these pointers, you can enjoy delicious meatball subs any time. Get creative and enjoy your cooking!](https://juliesdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/f526d51e-2f51-4379-811a-20b4d5bff873-250x250.webp)
Easy Meatball Subs
Dive into Meatball Madness with these delicious subs that are sure to be a hit! This easy recipe combines juicy meatballs made from ground beef and pork, topped with rich marinara sauce and melty mozzarella cheese, all served in crispy sub rolls. Perfect for family dinner or game day, these hearty sandwiches are irresistible.