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Tag: meatball sandwich

  • Beef Meatball Subs: Saucy, Cheesy, Hero Status

    Beef Meatball Subs: Saucy, Cheesy, Hero Status

    A great meatball sub is a beautiful mess. Sloppy, saucy, cheesy, and absolutely worth the napkins. The meatballs are tender and flavorful. The bread holds up. The cheese stretches for days.

    Use homemade or jarred sauce. Bake the meatballs or use leftovers. Either way, dinner is in 20 minutes.

    Ingredients

    Serves 4 (makes 4 subs).

    • 4 sub rolls (soft but sturdy)
    • 16-20 cooked beef meatballs (homemade or frozen)
    • 2 cups marinara sauce (jarred or homemade)
    • 8 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese
    • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
    • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • Optional: fresh basil, red pepper flakes

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    Step 1: Heat Meatballs and Sauce

    1. In a saucepan, combine meatballs and marinara sauce.
    2. Simmer over medium-low heat for 10–15 minutes until meatballs are hot and sauce is bubbling.

    Step 2: Preheat Oven

    1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
    2. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.

    Step 3: Toast the Rolls

    1. Slice sub rolls open lengthwise (but not all the way through).
    2. Mix melted butter with garlic powder. Brush inside and outside of rolls.
    3. Place on baking sheet and toast for 3–5 minutes until lightly golden.

    Step 4: Assemble the Subs

    1. Spoon 4–5 meatballs onto each bottom roll.
    2. Top with a generous scoop of sauce.
    3. Lay 2 slices of provolone over the meatballs.
    4. Sprinkle with Parmesan.

    Step 5: Melt the Cheese

    1. Return subs to the oven (open-faced) for 3–5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and melted.

    Step 6: Close and Serve

    1. Top with fresh basil or red pepper flakes if using.
    2. Close the roll. Press down gently. Serve with extra sauce on the side and a mountain of napkins.

    Summary

    Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes

    Yield: 4 subs

    Difficulty: Easy

    Storage Notes

    Leftovers:

    Store meatballs and sauce separately from bread. Sub rolls get soggy fast. Assemble fresh for the best experience.

    Fridge:

    Meatballs in sauce last 4 days. Reheat in microwave or saucepan. Store bread at room temperature.

    Freezing:

    Freeze meatballs and sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight. Toast fresh rolls when ready.

    Pro Tip:

    Don’t over-sauce the bread. Too much liquid = soggy collapse. Serve extra sauce on the side for dipping.