The Ultimate Italian Meatball Sub Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic Done Right for Beginner Cooks
A hearty and satisfying meatball sub featuring homemade meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese on toasted sub rolls. Perfect for beginner cooks, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers delicious results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop, Broiling, Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian-American, Comfort Food
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups marinara or pasta sauce
- 4 sub rolls
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Meatball Ingredients: Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, oregano, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough meatballs. Use a large bowl.
- Shape Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form evenly sized meatballs.
- Cook Meatballs: Cook the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until browned on all sides and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a skillet. Use a stove top.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Simmering allows the meatballs to absorb the sauce. Use a skillet. Use a stove top.
- Prepare Sub Rolls: Preheat the broiler. Split and butter the sub rolls, then toast them under the broiler until lightly golden. Watch closely to prevent burning. Use a broiler.
- Assemble Subs: Assemble the subs by layering mozzarella cheese, meatballs, marinara sauce, and more cheese on the toasted rolls. Layer the cheese on the bottom and top to ensure it melts evenly.
- Broil Subs: Broil the assembled subs for 1–2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to prevent burning. Use a broiler.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or basil (if desired) and serve hot. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture. Use a serving plate.
Notes
- Don’t overmix meatballs.
- Cook meatballs thoroughly.
- Toast rolls to prevent sogginess.
- Melt cheese until bubbly.