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.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs
- 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
Additional Ingredients
- 24 meatballs, homemade or frozen
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 8 hot dog buns
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: meatball sub, easy meatball sandwich, weeknight dinner, Italian sandwich, meatball recipe, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese
