Cheesy Meatball Subs Recipe

“`html

If you’ve ever dreamed of a sandwich bursting with hearty flavors, gooey cheese, and that perfect tang of marinara, then you’re about to fall head over heels for this Cheesy Meatball Subs Recipe. It’s the ultimate comfort food that combines juicy, tender meatballs with melted mozzarella cheese nestled in soft hoagie rolls, making every bite an irresistible celebration of tastes and textures. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or treating yourself to a cozy dinner, these subs bring warmth, satisfaction, and a little Italian soul to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every great dish starts with great ingredients, and this recipe is no exception. These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward and each one shows up to play an essential role in building the perfect Cheesy Meatball Subs Recipe, from the seasoned meatballs to the rich marinara and cheesy topping.

• 1 pound ground beef: Provides rich flavor and juicy texture as the meatball base.
• 1 pound ground pork: Adds moisture and tenderness for perfectly tender meatballs.
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keeps them soft.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty depth to the meatballs.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle, savory garlic notes into the mix.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a mild sweetness and complexity.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Gives a classic Italian herb flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and balance.
• 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to keep the meatballs together.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Introduces bright, fresh herbal accents.
• 4 cups marinara sauce: Creates the luscious, tangy base coating the meatballs.
• 8 hoagie rolls: Hold the magic — soft enough to absorb flavors yet sturdy enough for all the fillings.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty, stringy topping that makes these subs unforgettable.
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted: For brushing the rolls, giving them a golden, garlicky finish.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for butter brushing): Intensifies the garlic flavor on the sandwich bread.
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, aromatic touch at the end.

How to Make Cheesy Meatball Subs Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Kick things off by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s ready and waiting for perfectly cooked meatballs with a beautiful golden finish.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss together the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, egg, and fresh parsley. Mix everything until just combined — overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so be gentle but thorough.

Step 3: Shape Your Meatballs

Roll the mixture into about 1.5-inch meatballs, placing each gently onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Each meatball promises a juicy bite packed with flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Meatballs

Bake the meatballs for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re cooked all the way through and start to turn golden brown on the outside. The oven does all the work for this part, so you can get ready for the next step.

Step 5: Simmer in Marinara

While the meatballs bake, warm your marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium heat. When the meatballs are done, transfer them into the skillet and gently coat them with sauce. Let everything simmer together for 5 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 6: Prepare the Hoagie Rolls

Slice the hoagie rolls horizontally but keep one edge intact to hold all those tasty fillings. Place them open-faced on a baking sheet to prepare for a delicious butter brush.

Step 7: Garlic Butter Magic

Mix melted butter with the garlic powder, then brush this flavorful mixture inside each roll. This step ensures your bread will toast with an irresistible garlicky aroma and a golden crust after broiling.

Step 8: Assemble the Subs

Fill each hoagie roll generously with the saucy meatballs, spooning extra marinara over the top to keep them juicy and flavorful.

Step 9: Top with Mozzarella

Sprinkle a generous 2 cups of shredded mozzarella evenly over all the subs. This cheese will melt into gooey perfection, binding every delicious element together.

Step 10: Broil to Perfection

Place the assembled subs under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the mozzarella is melted, bubbly, and just beginning to brown. Keep a close eye because this step happens fast but is oh so worth it.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Add fresh basil leaves if you desire for a vibrant, herbaceous note before serving. Now your Cheesy Meatball Subs Recipe is ready to wow!

How to Serve Cheesy Meatball Subs Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves are a classic garnish that bring a pop of color and brightness to these hearty subs. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan or some crunchy red pepper flakes for an exciting contrast in texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair your cheesy meatball subs with crispy fries, a fresh green salad, or even some tangy coleslaw to balance the richness. For a comforting meal, roasted vegetables or garlic Parmesan potatoes are fantastic companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive feel, serve the subs sliced in half, arranged on a wooden board with little bowls of extra marinara and Parmesan for dipping. Or wrap each sub in parchment for a portable, casual meal perfect for picnics or game day celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover cheesy meatball subs, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps keep the bread from drying out and maintains the meatballs’ juicy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the meatballs separately in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight and gently reheat in marinara sauce before assembling your subs.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat the subs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese melts again and the subs are warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the bread from turning soggy.

FAQs

Can I use all beef instead of mixing beef and pork?

Absolutely! Using all beef will still yield delicious meatballs, though pork adds a bit more tenderness and moisture. Feel free to adjust based on what you have or prefer.

What type of marinara sauce works best?

Homemade marinara is wonderful if you have the time, but a high-quality store-bought sauce with a balance of sweetness and acidity works beautifully for convenience.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and bake the meatballs a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Just warm them in marinara sauce before assembling your subs to keep them juicy and flavorful.

What’s the best bread for these subs?

Soft hoagie rolls or Italian sandwich rolls are ideal because they hold up to the saucy filling without falling apart. Avoid overly crusty bread if you want the classic, soft-sub bite.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?

While this recipe shines with meat, you could swap meatballs for plant-based meatballs or roasted vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini to create a similarly delicious vegetarian sub.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like sinking your teeth into a warm, cheesy meatball sub fresh from the oven. This Cheesy Meatball Subs Recipe is straightforward but packed with flavor that never fails to impress. Once you try it, it will quickly become one of your go-to comfort meals, perfect for cozy nights or casual gatherings. So roll up your sleeves and dive into making this delight—your taste buds will thank you!

“`

Print