If comfort food had a fan club, the Beefy Meatball Sub Delight Recipe would be its president. Hot, saucy, beefy meatballs nestled into toasted sub rolls, blanketed with melty mozzarella, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley—each bite is a little hug for your taste buds. Whether you’re stretching out a lazy Sunday evening or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this sandwich is the kind of crave-worthy meal that always delivers big flavor and even bigger smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Beefy Meatball Sub Delight Recipe lies in its simplicity—every ingredient punches above its weight, balancing heartiness and flavor for a truly satisfying bite. From the rich beef base to the herby seasoning and gooey cheese, these components come together for a sub that’s classic yet unforgettable.
- Ground Beef (1 pound): Choose 80/20 for juicy, flavorful meatballs that stay tender.
- Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup): Acts as a binder, keeping the meatballs moist but not dense.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup): Adds savory umami and a subtle nutty note.
- Egg (1): The all-important glue that holds your meatballs together.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Brightens up the beef and infuses each bite with aromatic depth.
- Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Offers gentle, sweet sharpness without the crunch of fresh onion.
- Italian Seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Brings classic herby warmth to the filling.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for rounding out all the other flavors.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives just the right touch of background heat.
- Marinara Sauce (2 cups): Use homemade or your favorite jarred kind for added convenience.
- Sub Rolls or Hoagie Buns (4): Go for sturdy rolls—they’ll soak up the sauce but hold their shape.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts beautifully and adds that essential cheesy pull.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp, optional): A fresh, colorful finish that brightens every sub.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp): For browning the meatballs and adding a hint of richness.
How to Make Beefy Meatball Sub Delight Recipe
Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently, just until the ingredients look evenly combined—this step keeps your meatballs tender instead of tough. Now, roll the mixture into meatballs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter; you should end up with roughly 16 to 18 meatballs, the perfect size for nestling into your sandwich rolls later.
Step 2: Sear the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add your meatballs (working in batches if needed to avoid crowding) and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning every so often to make sure all sides get a golden-brown crust. This searing step builds a flavorful foundation and keeps the meatballs juicy on the inside.
Step 3: Simmer in Marinara
Once your meatballs are all beautifully browned, pour in the marinara sauce. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, scooping a little sauce over the meatballs now and then. Let them cook together for about 10 to 15 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked through, soaking up all the gorgeous tomato flavor.
Step 4: Toast the Sub Rolls
While the meatballs and sauce are doing their thing, split your sub rolls and arrange them cut side up on a baking sheet. Toast them in your preheated oven for about 3 to 4 minutes—just until the edges are slightly crisp and ready to hold all that saucy goodness without getting soggy.
Step 5: Assemble and Melt
Now for the best part! Load each toasted roll with 3 or 4 meatballs and a hearty spoonful of the marinara sauce. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top (or swap in provolone for extra cheesy drama). Return the loaded subs to the oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling, making your kitchen smell absolutely irresistible.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish off your Beefy Meatball Sub Delight Recipe by showering the hot sandwiches with fresh parsley—especially if you love a fresh, vibrant note. Serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey and the rolls are warm.
How to Serve Beefy Meatball Sub Delight Recipe
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds pop and freshness that cuts through the richness of the cheesy, saucy meatballs. For a fun twist, a dusting of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil is wonderful for those who love a bit of flair on their Beefy Meatball Sub Delight Recipe.
Side Dishes
This sub pairs beautifully with crisp potato wedges, tangy coleslaw, or a simple side salad tossed with Italian vinaigrette. If you’re hosting, add kettle chips and some pickled peppers for a deli-style touch that brings out the best in the Beefy Meatball Sub Delight Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Try turning the subs into party sliders using small dinner rolls—each guest gets their own mini Beefy Meatball Sub Delight Recipe, perfect for game day or family gatherings. Or, serve the meatballs and sauce in a big bowl with toasted garlic bread on the side for a deconstructed, crowd-pleasing version.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover subs individually in foil or plastic wrap, or store the meatballs, sauce, and rolls separately in airtight containers. Refrigerated, the components will stay fresh for up to 3 days and can be easily reheated for the next round of indulgence.
Freezing
The cooked meatballs and sauce are freezer-friendly: let them cool completely, transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to revisit your Beefy Meatball Sub Delight Recipe, just thaw the portions overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Warm meatballs and sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot, then assemble your subs and pop them under the broiler or in the oven to melt the cheese for a freshly made taste every time.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of meat for the meatballs?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a blend of beef and pork make excellent meatballs for the Beefy Meatball Sub Delight Recipe. Just keep in mind that leaner meats may be a bit less juicy, so consider adding a tablespoon of milk or olive oil to keep them tender.
What’s the best bread for this sub?
Go for sturdy, chewy sub rolls or hoagie buns—they hold up best to saucy meatballs. If you want more crunch, try lightly toasting some Italian bread or baguette for your Beefy Meatball Sub Delight Recipe.
Can I make the meatballs in advance?
Yes, you can shape and even cook the meatballs ahead! Store them in the fridge for up to two days before adding them to the marinara and assembling your subs.
How can I make these subs spicier?
For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or stir some into the marinara sauce. You could also sprinkle sliced pickled jalapeños on top before serving your Beefy Meatball Sub Delight Recipe.
What cheese works best besides mozzarella?
Provolone is a great option if you prefer a cheesier, stretchier melt, and even sliced fontina or gouda can add a sophisticated twist. Just layer your favorite cheese over the meatballs and let it melt into bubbly perfection.
Final Thoughts
This Beefy Meatball Sub Delight Recipe is a tried-and-true favorite that always inspires second helpings and satisfied smiles. If you’re craving a sandwich that’s meaty, cheesy, and overflowing with flavor, give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
Print
Beefy Meatball Sub Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 subs 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Beefy Meatball Sub Delight. Tender meatballs smothered in marinara sauce, nestled in a warm sub roll, and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese – a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Subs:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 sub rolls or hoagie buns
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Make the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Roll into meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Brown the meatballs in a skillet, then add marinara sauce and simmer.
- Prepare the Subs: Toast the rolls, fill with meatballs and sauce, top with mozzarella, and bake until cheese melts.
- Serve: Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use provolone for a cheesier, stretchier melt.
- These also make great party sliders when served in smaller rolls.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking + Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sub
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
