Italian Meatball Sub

This Italian Meatball Sub is a true comfort food that blends hearty, flavorful meatballs with rich marinara sauce and gooey cheese all nestled in a toasted sub roll. It’s the perfect quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat that will bring the family together. With the use of fully cooked meatballs, this recipe saves you time while delivering that homemade taste. Whether you’re a busy professional or just looking for an easy yet indulgent meal, this sub will definitely hit the spot!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Italian Meatball Sub is the ultimate balance of flavors and textures. The fully cooked Italian-style meatballs make this recipe incredibly convenient, while the homemade marinara sauce provides a fresh and rich base. Topped with a blend of provolone and fontina cheese, it’s baked until golden and bubbly, resulting in a satisfying melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or serving it to family and friends, this sub will be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, the mix of savory meatballs, tangy marinara, and warm, toasted bread is a comfort food experience you’ll want to recreate time and time again.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2.5 lbs Midamar Fully Cooked Italian-Style Meatballs

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 6 oz tomato paste

• 28 oz can of whole peeled tomatoes

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp basil

• 1 tbsp oregano

• 4-8 sub rolls, sliced like hot dog buns

• ½ stick of butter, melted

• 8 oz block of provolone, shredded

• 4 oz fontina, shredded

Directions

1. Add garlic and olive oil to a Dutch oven and cook until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes.

2. Add the whole peeled tomatoes, sugar, salt, basil, and oregano. Mix everything together, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.

3. Add the Midamar Fully Cooked Italian-Style Meatballs, cover again, and simmer for an additional 15 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add ½ cup of water and bring it to a boil for about 10 minutes.

4. Brush the sub rolls with melted butter and toast them over medium heat in a non-stick skillet.

5. Place each toasted roll onto a large sheet pan. In a mixing bowl, combine the cheeses and layer each bun with cheese, followed by meatballs and sauce. Top off with a final sprinkle of cheese.

6. Bake the subs at 425°F for 5 to 10 minutes. For a browner cheese top, broil for about 5 minutes, checking every minute.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-8 subs (depending on roll size and how many meatballs are used per sub)

• Total Time: 45 minutes (prep and cooking time combined)

Variations

• Cheese Variation: If provolone and fontina aren’t available, try using mozzarella or a mix of your favorite cheeses for a different flavor.

• Meatball Type: You can swap the Midamar Fully Cooked Italian-Style Meatballs for any pre-cooked meatballs of your choice, or even make your own meatballs from scratch.

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinara sauce to give the sub a spicy twist.

• Veggie Version: For a vegetarian option, replace the meatballs with a combination of sautéed mushrooms, peppers, and onions, and top with your favorite cheese.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover meatball subs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep the subs separate from the sauce to avoid soggy bread.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the subs in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the meatballs are heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual subs for 1-2 minutes, though the bread may lose some of its crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Just make sure to thaw and heat them properly before adding them to the sauce. You may need to extend the simmering time to ensure they are heated through.

2. Can I make the marinara sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The marinara sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before adding the meatballs to it.

3. How can I make the sub rolls crispy?

To make the sub rolls extra crispy, toast them in a skillet with butter or oil until golden brown. You can also bake them for a few minutes before assembling the subs.

4. What’s the best cheese to use for an Italian Meatball Sub?

Provolone and fontina are excellent choices because of their meltability and mild flavors, but mozzarella is also a great substitute. Feel free to experiment with other Italian cheeses.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free sub rolls to make this recipe gluten-free. Check that the meatballs and marinara sauce ingredients are gluten-free as well.

6. How do I prevent the sub from getting soggy?

To prevent the sub from getting soggy, you can toast the sub rolls before adding the sauce and meatballs. This will help the bread hold up against the moisture.

7. Can I add vegetables to the sub?

Absolutely! You can add sautéed peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.

8. Can I use a different type of bread for the sub?

While traditional sub rolls are ideal, you can use any type of bread such as baguettes or hoagie rolls, depending on your preference.

9. How do I know when the subs are done baking?

The subs are done when the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want a crispy top, broil them for an additional 1-2 minutes while keeping a close eye on them.

10. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the meatball subs after assembling them. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

Conclusion

This Italian Meatball Sub is a simple yet flavorful meal that brings together all the best elements of Italian comfort food. With a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy nights or a laid-back weekend meal. Whether you stick to the original recipe or make your own twists, this sub will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy it with friends, family, or even on your own—it’s always a winner!