Name: Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (95% lean); 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 1-2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 24 meatballs, homemade or frozen; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cups marinara sauce; 8 hot dog buns; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Jump to Recipe

If you crave a comforting, delicious sandwich that comes together quickly, then this Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub is going to be your new best friend. Packed with juicy, flavorful meatballs swimming in a rich marinara sauce, topped with gooey mozzarella, and nestled inside a soft bun, this dish is the epitome of cozy dinner satisfaction. Whether you make your own meatballs or use frozen, it’s an effortlessly delicious meal that feels special but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. Perfect for any night of the week when you want something hearty and satisfying, this sandwich is sure to become a family favorite in no time.

Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, essential ingredients is all it takes to whip up this Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub that tastes anything but basic. Each ingredient plays a role in balancing texture, flavor, and heartiness, making every bite memorable.

1 pound ground beef (95% lean): The meaty foundation for juicy, tender meatballs without extra grease.
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs: Adds a light, crispy texture to the meatballs, keeping them from getting dense.
1 large egg: Acts as the perfect binder to hold the meatball mixture together.
1-2 garlic cloves (minced): Delivers aromatic warmth and depth to the savory meatballs.
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings classic Italian flavor to the dish.
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Gives just the right little kick of spice without overpowering.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making sure nothing tastes flat.
24 meatballs (homemade or frozen): The star of the sub providing hearty, flavorful bites.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For browning the meatballs beautifully and adding richness.
2 cups marinara sauce: A tangy, savory tomato base that ties the sandwich together.
8 hot dog buns: Soft, sturdy vessels to hold all that meaty goodness.
1 1/2 cups mozzarella: Melted mozzarella brings stretchy, creamy cheesiness that’s simply irresistible.

How to Make Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub

Step 1: Prepare Your Meatballs

If you’re going for homemade, combine ground beef, panko, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt in a large bowl and mix gently but thoroughly. Roll the mixture into 24 evenly sized meatballs. This step is where the flavor magic begins, so take a moment to appreciate the aroma before cooking.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet. Once shimmering, place the meatballs carefully and turn them every minute or so, letting each side develop a lovely golden-brown crust. This browning locks in juices and adds fantastic flavor complexity.

Step 3: Simmer in Marinara

After browning, reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the marinara sauce. Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing them to cook through completely and soak up all those tomatoey flavors. If you’re using frozen meatballs, simply warm them in the marinara sauce on medium-low heat until heated through, about 25 minutes.

Step 4: Toast the Buns and Assemble

Place the hot dog buns on a baking sheet and position your oven’s top rack about 6 inches below the broiler. Once preheated, spoon 3 meatballs and plenty of sauce into each bun, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella. Pop them under the broiler and watch as the cheese melts gorgeously, about 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye so your buns don’t get too toasty.

How to Serve Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can elevate this classic sandwich effortlessly. Consider sprinkling chopped fresh basil or parsley on top to add a pop of color and refreshing herbal brightness that balances the rich meatballs perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair your meatball subs with a crisp green salad to lighten things up or some crunchy kettle-cooked chips for a satisfying contrast. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli can also add a nutritious sidekick without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to get playful? Serve the meatball subs open-faced on baguette slices as mini Italian bruschettas at your next gathering or transform the sandwich into skewers by threading meatballs, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls onto sticks for a fun twist that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover meatballs and sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep buns separate to prevent sogginess and assemble your subs fresh when ready to eat for the best texture.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked meatballs with sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. For convenience, freeze the buns separately wrapped in foil or plastic to maintain freshness until you’re ready to enjoy your Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub again.

Reheating

Reheat meatballs gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Toast buns lightly in the oven or toaster before assembling to regain that fresh bakery feel, then melt on the mozzarella under the broiler to finish.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef for the meatballs?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well and make the sandwich a bit lighter. Just be sure to monitor cooking times since they can cook faster than beef.

Is it better to use homemade or frozen meatballs?

Both have their merits. Homemade meatballs offer a fresh, customizable flavor, while frozen meatballs save time without sacrificing too much taste — perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

What type of cheese works best for these subs?

Mozzarella is the classic choice for its melty, creamy texture, but provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses can also be delicious if you want to mix things up.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can swap meatballs for plant-based or veggie balls to create a vegetarian version. Just ensure they hold together well during cooking and reheat nicely in the sauce.

How spicy is this sandwich?

This recipe has a gentle kick from the red pepper flakes, which enhances the flavor without overwhelming heat. Feel free to adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub is one of those ultimate comfort foods that’s as simple to prepare as it is delicious to devour. It brings together satisfying textures and hearty flavors in a way that feels like a warm hug on a plate. So, the next time you want a fuss-free dinner that still wows, grab those ingredients and get ready to enjoy a sub that’s as easy as it is irresistible.

Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 18 reviews

Author: Aiden
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub recipe delivers a deliciously satisfying sandwich perfect for a quick dinner. Featuring tender homemade or frozen meatballs simmered in savory marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese, and nestled inside toasted hot dog buns, this comforting meal is simple to prepare and packed with classic Italian flavors.

Instructions

Prepare Meatballs: If making homemade meatballs, mix ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt in a large bowl. Form the mixture into 24 evenly sized meatballs.
Cook Meatballs (Homemade): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and turn them every minute or so to brown all sides evenly.
Simmer Meatballs: When the meatballs are browned, reduce heat to low, pour marinara sauce slowly over them, cover with a lid, and cook on medium-low for 15 minutes or until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Cook Frozen Meatballs: If using frozen meatballs, heat marinara sauce in a skillet until simmering, add the frozen meatballs, cover, and cook on medium-low heat for about 25 minutes until heated through.
Prepare Buns: Place hot dog buns on a baking sheet. Position the top rack of the oven about 6 inches below the broiler and preheat the broiler.
Assemble Subs: Add 3 meatballs to each bun, spoon marinara sauce over the meatballs, and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Broil Subs: Place the baking sheet under the broiler and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent buns from burning.
Serve: Remove from oven and serve the meatball subs hot for a hearty and comforting meal.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef for a leaner option.
Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs can be used but may affect texture.
For extra flavor, you can toast the buns lightly before assembling.
Make sure to monitor the subs closely under the broiler to avoid burning the buns or cheese.
Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Sandwich
Method: Pan-fry and broil
Cuisine: Italian-American