Quick Weeknight Meatball Subs

Featured in Sandwiches packed with flavor.

After work, I found ground beef and thought about my mom's meatball subs. In 20 minutes, the house smelled amazing, and dinner was good to go!

Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Sat, 31 May 2025 13:14:08 GMT
Golden hoagies stuffed with meatballs, marinara, melted cheese, and herbs. Pin it
Golden hoagies stuffed with meatballs, marinara, melted cheese, and herbs. | tastyhush.com

Throwing together these subs is a breeze and they're packed with flavor. You can toss in homemade meatballs or just use a frozen bag from the store. They're super fast and satisfying for anybody at the table.

Why You’ll Want These Subs

Craving something hot but not too heavy? These are perfect. Only 330 calories in each sub, so you can go for seconds if you want. Serve up with a fresh salad or your favorite chips and you’re set. Short on time? Pick up frozen meatballs or whip up your own — both are winners here.

Stuff You’ll Need

  • Mozzarella: Shredded makes topping easy
  • Hot Dog Buns: Go for the softest ones
  • Pasta Sauce: Any jarred kind works fine
  • Oil: For frying up the meatballs
  • Meatballs: Make a couple dozen or just use pre-made ones
  • Salt: Nothing fancy, just regular is fine
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Leave out if you don’t like it spicy
  • Italian Seasoning: All-in-one blend keeps it simple
  • Garlic: Use freshly chopped or just grab the powder
  • Egg: Just one big egg does the trick
  • Breadcrumbs: Any kind, classic or panko
  • Ground Beef: Lean is best, or swap with turkey if that's your thing

How to Throw Subs Together

Melt Cheese:
Pop the subs under the broiler for a couple minutes till the cheese is gooey. Keep a close eye on them so they don't get burnt.
Fill Buns:
Spoon three meatballs and some extra sauce into each bun. Sprinkle cheese right on top.
Get Buns Ready:
Preheat your broiler and line up the buns on a tray.
Using Frozen Meatballs:
Dump sauce in a pan, add in the frozen meatballs, cover, and heat for about 25 minutes.
Add Sauce:
Once meatballs are browned, pour on the sauce, cover, and let it cook for around 15 minutes.
Cook Meatballs:
Warm up oil in a skillet. Sear meatballs on all sides until they get some color.
Mix Meatballs:
Toss beef, breadcrumbs, an egg, garlic, all those seasonings, and salt into a bowl. Mix it all and roll into 24 balls.
Three sub sandwiches loaded with meatballs, marinara, and a layer of melted cheese are sitting on a baking tray. Pin it
Three sub sandwiches loaded with meatballs, marinara, and a layer of melted cheese are sitting on a baking tray. | tastyhush.com

Why These Subs Totally Rock

After a busy day, these sandwiches are just what you need. Only 330 calories each, so dig in without thinking twice. Whether you go with homemade or frozen meatballs, they taste awesome. Families usually ask for more.

Simple Stuff, Big Taste

No need for fancy shopping trips here. Ground beef, breadcrumbs, an egg, and some seasoning make tender, juicy meatballs. Garlic and a dash of spice if you want extra kick. Cheese melts perfectly on the top and the sauce ties everything together. Want a twist? Try using provolone sometimes.

How Everything Comes Together

It’s really easy. Brown up the meatballs for flavor, let them bathe in the sauce until they soak it up. Throw them into buns, smother with cheese, melt until it’s bubbly. That’s all it takes to pull off sandwiches that disappear fast.

Great Sides to Try

Keep it easy with sides for these subs. Go for crispy chips, some fresh greens, or even potato salad. Want a new change? Pasta salad or just some fruit makes everything feel finished with barely any effort.

How to Store Extras

If you’ve got any left, pack the sauce and meatballs up and store in the fridge for three to four days. When hunger hits, reheat a few, tuck them in fresh buns, top with cheese, and melt it real quick. They’re just as tasty as the first go-round.

A big sandwich stuffed with saucy meatballs and melted cheese with parsley sprinkled on top sits on a baking tray. Pin it
A big sandwich stuffed with saucy meatballs and melted cheese with parsley sprinkled on top sits on a baking tray. | tastyhush.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen meatballs?

Absolutely, frozen meatballs save loads of time! Pop them into your simmering sauce, let them heat up, and they're ready to go. No flavor is lost!

→ What works well with these?

A crisp Caesar salad gives a nice balance, or go heavier with garlic bread. Toasted baguettes are another fab choice for a satisfying meal.

→ Want it spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mix. For an extra kick, drizzle spicy marinara or even sriracha over the top before serving.

→ Other cheese ideas?

Go with provolone for creamy vibes, Parmesan for a nutty tang, or mozzarella for something milder. Mixing them works too for extra flavor!

→ Can I prep beforehand?

Yes! Make your meatballs ahead of time and chill them in the fridge for three days or freeze them for longer. Reheat in sauce, then toss on the cheese right before serving. Easy and tasty!

Conclusion

Crave these flavors? Next time, try meatball soup for a cozy option, baked meatball parm when you want something rich, or grilled meatball skewers for a smoky twist. They all use the same tasty spices!

Weeknight Meatball Subs

Need dinner fast? These subs will do it!

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Sandwiches

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American-Italian

Yield: 8 sandwiches

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1/2 cup fine bread crumbs.
02 1 large egg.
03 1 pound ground beef, lean.
04 1/2 tsp salt.
05 1 or 2 garlic cloves, finely minced.
06 1/2 tsp chili flakes.
07 1 tbsp Italian seasoning.
08 1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese.
09 2 tbsp olive oil.
10 2 cups of your favorite marinara sauce.
11 24 pre-made or homemade meatballs.
12 8 soft sandwich rolls.

Instructions

Step 01

In a big bowl, combine meat, bread crumbs, egg, garlic, and spices. Shape into 24 small round balls.

Step 02

Warm oil in a large skillet. Cook the meatballs till they're golden on all sides.

Step 03

Lower heat, pour in the sauce, and cover. Cook for 15 mins. Meat needs to reach 160°.

Step 04

If using frozen, start by heating the sauce. Then add meatballs, cover, and cook about 25 minutes.

Step 05

Turn on broiler. Lay buns on a baking tray close to the top rack.

Step 06

Place 3 meatballs in each roll. Spoon on some sauce, add cheese on top.

Step 07

Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese bubbles. Don’t let it burn!

Notes

  1. Nutrition may vary based on your ingredients.
  2. Toast rolls before assembling for extra crunch.
  3. Want it spicier? Add more chili flakes.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowl.
  • Large skillet.
  • Tray for baking.
  • Oven with a broil setting.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains wheat or gluten.
  • Includes dairy.
  • Made with eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 330
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 23 g