how to create a savory meatball sub

How to Make a Delicious Meatball Sub at Home

Who doesn’t love a good meatball sub? It’s a satisfying sandwich that’s warm, flavorful, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a casual gathering. The great thing about making meatball subs at home is that you can customize them just the way you like—extra cheese, toasted bread, or a perfectly tangy sauce. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to create a savory meatball sub in simple terms, so everyone can enjoy this classic comfort food!

What You’ll Need

To start, gather these simple ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

1 pound (450g) ground beef or ground pork (or a mix of both)
1 egg
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced (or use 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you like a little spice)

For the Sandwich:

4 sub rolls or baguettes
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or more if you’re a cheese lover!)
1 tablespoon butter (optional, for toasting the bread)

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

Let’s start with the star of the sub—the meatballs! Follow these simple steps:

Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or pork), egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix everything together until well combined.
Form the Meatballs: Scoop a small portion of the mixture (about 1 tablespoon) and roll it into a ball. Repeat until you’ve used all the meat mixture. You should end up with about 16 meatballs.
Cook the Meatballs: Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking. Place the meatballs in the pan and cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they’re browned on all sides. Don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked yet—they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

While the meatballs are cooking, it’s time to prepare the delicious marinara sauce:

Heat the Sauce: In a medium-sized pot, pour in the marinara sauce. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Add the Meatballs: Carefully transfer the cooked meatballs into the sauce. Stir gently so the meatballs are coated in the sauce.
Simmer: Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 10-15 minutes over low heat. This helps the flavors blend and ensures the meatballs are fully cooked and tender.

Step 3: Prepare the Bread

Now let’s get the bread ready for this tasty sandwich:

Choose Your Bread: Sub rolls, baguettes, or even hoagie buns work great for meatball subs. Slice the rolls in half lengthwise.
Toast the Bread (Optional): If you like a warm, slightly crisp sandwich, you can toast the bread. Spread a little butter on the inside of the rolls and place them face down on a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes, or put them under the broiler in your oven for a few minutes.

Step 4: Assemble Your Meatball Sub

Now comes the fun part—building your meatball sub!

Start with the Meatballs: Place 3-4 meatballs inside each bread roll. Make sure they’re nestled in the bread securely.
Add Sauce: Spoon some extra marinara sauce over the meatballs for added flavor.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the meatballs. If you want the cheese to melt, you can place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or microwave them for 30 seconds.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Creation

Your savory meatball sub is ready to eat! Serve it with a side of chips, a salad, or just by itself. Each bite will be packed with juicy meatballs, gooey melted cheese, and tangy marinara sauce. Get ready for your taste buds to thank you!

Tips for Making the Best Meatball Sub

Here are a few additional tips to make your meatball sub extra special:

Use Good Bread: The bread is an important part of the sandwich. Look for rolls that are fresh, sturdy, and slightly crusty to hold up against the saucy meatballs.
Add Extra Toppings: You can customize your sub with extras like fresh basil, sliced onions, roasted bell peppers, or even a few pickled jalapeños for some heat.
Make Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce a day ahead. Just store them in the fridge and reheat before assembling the sandwiches.
Pair It with a Side Dish: Meatball subs go great with a Caesar salad, fries, or even a bowl of soup for a hearty meal.

Creating your own savory meatball sub at home is easy and fun. Once you master the basics, feel free to experiment with flavors and toppings to make it your own. Whether you’re feeding the family or simply treating yourself, this classic sandwich is guaranteed to be a hit. Happy cooking!