Fast Weeknight Meatball Subs

Category: Easy Sandwiches Done Right

Saw ground beef sitting in my kitchen and remembered my mom's subs. Twenty minutes later, the smell of herbs and marinara filled the air, and dinner was done!

Emily Watson
By Emily Watson Emily Watson
Last updated on Tue, 08 Apr 2025 23:36:41 GMT
Toasted hoagie rolls stuffed with saucy meatballs, gooey cheese, and fresh herbs on top. Pin
Toasted hoagie rolls stuffed with saucy meatballs, gooey cheese, and fresh herbs on top. | thefamilycooks.com

These sub sandwiches make mealtime easy and delicious. Whip them up with homemade meatballs or use ready-made ones from the market - you'll get a crowd-pleasing dinner either way. They come together in no time and satisfy hunger perfectly.

Reasons To Love These Sandwiches

When you're craving something hot and satisfying that won't weigh you down, these subs are perfect. Each sandwich contains just 330 calories, letting you indulge guilt-free. Toss in some potato chips or a side salad, and you've got a complete meal. Save time with pre-made meatballs or cook your own from scratch - they're fantastic either way.

Ingredients List

  • Egg: Any large egg will do
  • Oil: Needed when cooking your meatballs
  • Salt: Just plain kitchen salt works
  • Garlic: Freshly minced or powder if you're in a rush
  • Meatballs: Form 24 or grab a freezer pack
  • Mozzarella: Pre-shredded saves time
  • Ground Beef: Choose leaner options for best results, ground turkey works too
  • Hot Dog Buns: Pick fresh ones for better structure
  • Breadcrumbs: Standard or panko varieties work well
  • Pasta Sauce: Any favorite jarred variety
  • Italian Seasoning: One blend covers all your flavor needs
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional if you don't enjoy spicy food

Preparation Steps

Prepare Frozen Meatballs:
Warm sauce in skillet, drop in frozen meatballs, cover and simmer 25 minutes
Broil With Cheese:
Place under broiler for 2-3 minutes until cheese bubbles. Keep an eye out to prevent burning
Combine Meatball Mixture:
Add beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, spices, and salt to a bowl. Combine thoroughly and shape into 24 meatballs
Brown The Meatballs:
Warm oil in skillet. Cook meatballs until browned on each side
Simmer In Sauce:
Pour sauce over browned meatballs. Cover and cook for 15 minutes until fully done
Prepare Your Buns:
Start broiler heating. Arrange buns on a baking sheet
Assemble Sandwiches:
Place 3 meatballs in each bun. Top with extra sauce and sprinkle cheese over everything
Three meatball subs are filled with meatballs and topped with marinara sauce and shredded cheese, placed on a baking tray. Pin
Three meatball subs are filled with meatballs and topped with marinara sauce and shredded cheese, placed on a baking tray. | thefamilycooks.com

Standout Features

These sandwiches really satisfy after a busy day. With just 330 calories each, they won't bust your diet. They turn out tasty regardless if you make meatballs from scratch or use frozen ones. Your whole family will want more.

Basic Yet Delicious

You don't need complicated ingredients for these amazing sandwiches. Combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings for tasty meatballs. Throw in some garlic and a bit of heat if that's your thing. The cheese gets all melty on top, and the sauce pulls everything together. Want variety? Swap in provolone cheese for something different.

Assembly Instructions

These subs couldn't be easier to make. Start by browning your meatballs, then let them cook in sauce to absorb all that goodness. Stuff them into buns, add plenty of cheese on top, and melt until it's gooey. That's all you need for a sandwich everyone will crave.

Side Dish Options

These sandwiches pair wonderfully with easy sides. Go for a simple green salad if you want something light, or grab some crunchy chips. Potato salad fits nicely too. Looking for alternatives? A cold pasta salad or some fresh fruit rounds out your meal without much fuss.

Storage Tips

Extra food? Store the meatballs and sauce together in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you're ready for another sandwich, just heat the meatballs, pop them in a fresh bun, sprinkle cheese on top, and warm until melty. They'll taste as good as they did the first time around.

A hearty sub sandwich filled with meatballs, marinara sauce, melted cheese, and topped with parsley, on a baking tray. Pin
A hearty sub sandwich filled with meatballs, marinara sauce, melted cheese, and topped with parsley, on a baking tray. | thefamilycooks.com

Wrap-Up

If these subs hit the right spot, you'd love a warm meatball soup for chilly nights. Or maybe baked meatball parm when you're feeling fancy! Want to fire up the grill? Meatball skewers with these spices are a must-try.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I use frozen meatballs?

Absolutely, frozen meatballs are a big help! Heat them up in your favorite sauce, and you've got a delicious shortcut meal ready in no time.

→ What sides work well?

A crisp Caesar salad is perfect for balance. Want something heavier? Garlic bread or toasted baguettes make it feel like a feast.

→ How can I make it spicier?

Crank up the heat with red pepper flakes mixed into the meatballs. Or simply drizzle sriracha or spicy marinara over the finished product for extra zing.

→ Any cheese alternatives?

If you're rethinking cheese, try creamy provolone or sharp Parmesan. Those looking for mild flavors can stick to mozzarella. Mixing varieties is always a fun twist too!

→ Can I prep ahead?

For sure! Cook the meatballs and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze them if you need more time. Reheat with sauce when you're ready and toss on that cheese at the end.

Weeknight Meatball Subs

No dinner ideas? Try these tasty subs!

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
45 mins
By Emily Watson: Emily Watson

Recipe Category: Sandwiches

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine Type: Fusion Italian

Makes: 8 sandwiches

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You’ll Need

01 1 pound of ground beef, lean.
02 1/2 cup of crumbs from bread.
03 One large egg.
04 1 or 2 garlic pieces, finely chopped.
05 1 spoonful of Italian herbs.
06 Half a spoon of crushed red pepper.
07 Half a spoonful of salt.
08 Twenty-four meatballs (store-bought or homemade).
09 2 big spoonfuls of olive oil.
10 2 cups of marinara sauce.
11 8 buns, typically for hot dogs.
12 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese, shredded.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Combine the beef, crumbs, egg, garlic, and spices in a big mixing bowl. Shape it all into 24 small balls.

Step 02

Get a pan nice and hot with oil. Cook the meatballs so all sides brown nicely.

Step 03

Turn the heat low. Stir in the sauce, cover it up, and let everything simmer for about 15 minutes or until the meat gets to 160° inside.

Step 04

Heating up frozen ones? Warm the sauce first, toss in the frozen meat, cover it, and let it go for 25 minutes.

Step 05

Turn on your broiler. Put the buns close to the upper oven rack to toast them.

Step 06

Pop three meatballs into a bun. Add some sauce and sprinkle the cheese over top.

Step 07

Broil for 2 or 3 minutes until it’s bubbly and melted. Don’t step away!

Additional Notes

  1. Nutritional facts can change depending on your brands.
  2. Toast the buns in advance if that’s your thing.
  3. Crank up the pepper if you want more spice.

Essential Tools

  • Mixing bowl.
  • Large skillet.
  • Sheet pan.
  • Broiler-equipped oven.

Allergen Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Flour or wheat.
  • Dairy products.
  • Egg allergy.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for guidance only and don't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 330
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 23 g