Meatball Sub
Juicy, tender beef meatballs simmered in a rich homemade tomato sauce, then piled into crusty sub rolls and topped with gooey melted mozzarella. A classic Italian-American comfort food that's messy, satisfying, and perfect for game day or a hearty dinner.
For 4 servings
- prep
Make the meatball mixture.
1.In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, parmesan, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper.2.Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overwork the meat.3.Roll into 16 equal-sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.TIPWet your hands lightly to prevent the mixture from sticking. - fry · ~6 min
Brown the meatballs.
1.Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.2.Add meatballs in a single layer and brown on all sides, about 5-6 minutes total. Work in batches if needed.3.Transfer browned meatballs to a plate and set aside. - saute · ~8 min
Build the tomato sauce.
1.In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.2.Add remaining minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.3.Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and sugar.4.Add water if the sauce seems too thick. Bring to a gentle bubble. - simmer · ~15 min
Simmer the meatballs in the sauce.
1.Return browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.2.Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.3.Spoon sauce over the meatballs occasionally to keep them moist.TIPCut one meatball in half to check doneness — there should be no pink inside. - prep
Preheat the oven and prep the rolls.
1.Preheat oven to 400°F.2.Split sub rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through.3.Rub the cut sides with the halved garlic clove.4.Place rolls on a baking sheet, cut side up. - assemble
Assemble the subs.
1.Place 4 meatballs into each roll.2.Spoon extra sauce over the meatballs.3.Top generously with shredded mozzarella. - bake · ~10 min
Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly.
1.Place the baking sheet in the oven.2.Bake for 8-10 minutes until cheese is fully melted and starting to brown.3.Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes. - garnish
Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Tear fresh basil leaves over the top of each sub. Serve immediately with napkins — this one gets messy.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Lightly wet your hands when rolling meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking.
- 2Use a gentle hand when mixing the meatball ingredients to keep them tender, not dense.
- 3Brown the meatballs in batches if needed, so they form a crust rather than steam.
- 4For extra flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of red wine before adding the onions.
- 5Toasting the cut side of the sub rolls under the broiler for 1 minute prevents sogginess.
- 6Let the finished sub rest for 2 minutes out of the oven so the cheese sets slightly before cutting.
- 7Make the sauce and meatballs a day ahead; the flavors meld and deepen overnight.
Adapt it for your goals.
Turkey meatball sub
Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey (93/7). Add 1 extra tablespoon of olive oil to the meatball mix for moisture, and reduce simmer time by 5 minutes to prevent dryness.
spicy arrabbiata versionSpicy arrabbiata version
Add 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the sauce along with the dried herbs, and use provolone instead of mozzarella for a sharper, spicier bite.
low carb subLow-carb sub
Omit the breadcrumbs and replace with 1/4 cup almond flour mixed with 2 tablespoons grated parmesan. Serve the meatballs and sauce over zucchini noodles instead of a sub roll.
vegetarian lentil meatball subVegetarian lentil meatball sub
Substitute the beef with a mix of cooked brown lentils, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, and 1 extra egg. Season with smoked paprika. Simmer in the same sauce for only 10 minutes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
Ground beef provides a substantial amount of high-quality protein, which supports muscle repair and keeps you full longer.
Rich in Lycopene
The crushed tomatoes and tomato paste are packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health, especially when cooked with a little olive oil.
Contains Calcium
Both mozzarella and parmesan cheese contribute calcium for strong bones and teeth.
Source of Iron
Beef is a good source of heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body and helps prevent anemia.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Brown the meatballs and sauté the aromatics on the stove first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker with the sauce. Cook on low for 4–6 hours (or high for 2–3 hours). Assemble and broil the subs just before serving.
