Meatball Marinara Sub (Printable)

Tender meatballs in marinara sauce on toasted rolls with melted cheese, perfect for cozy meals.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meatballs

01 - 1 lb ground beef
02 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
03 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
07 - 1 tsp dried oregano
08 - 1 tsp salt
09 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
10 - 2 tbsp milk

→ Marinara Sauce

11 - 2 tbsp olive oil
12 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
13 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
14 - 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
15 - 1 tsp sugar
16 - 1 tsp dried basil
17 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
18 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
19 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Assembly

20 - 4 rustic sub rolls (8 inches each)
21 - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
22 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
23 - Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix gently until just combined.
03 - Shape mixture into 16 meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Bake meatballs for 18 to 20 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
05 - Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3 to 4 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
06 - Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
07 - Add baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer together for 5 to 10 minutes to meld flavors.
08 - Slice sub rolls lengthwise, leaving one side intact. Place on baking tray and toast in the oven for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly crisp.
09 - Fill each roll with 4 meatballs and generous marinara sauce. Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
10 - Return sandwiches to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling.
11 - Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Rich, hearty beef meatballs infused with aromatic herbs and Parmesan cheese.
  • Homemade marinara sauce slow-simmered for deep, balanced flavors.
  • The perfect balance of crispy toasted sub rolls and gooey melted cheese.
  • Relatively quick and easy to prepare, ideal for family meals or gatherings.
  • Customizable with optional ingredients to suit your taste.
02 -
  • Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep meatballs tender and juicy.
  • Baking meatballs is a cleaner alternative to frying that still seals in moisture.
  • Simmer sauce uncovered to thicken and concentrate flavors without added effort.
  • Toast rolls briefly for a crusty exterior that prevents sogginess from sauce.
  • Use fresh herbs as garnish to brighten the sandwich visually and flavor-wise.
Go Back