
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.

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.

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!