Name: Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American/Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (95% lean); ½ cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 1-2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; ½ teaspoon salt; 24 meatballs (homemade or frozen); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cups marinara sauce; 8 hot dog buns; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 53 reviews

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting sandwich that comes together without any fuss, you have to try this Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of savory homemade meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella nestled inside a soft bun. Whether you make the meatballs from scratch or use a shortcut with frozen ones, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal that will quickly become a family favorite on busy evenings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black frying pan filled with about 25 round, raw meatballs arranged closely but not touching, sitting in a thin layer of shiny cooking oil. Each meatball is red with small bits of seasoning visible on the surface, showing a rough, textured appearance. The pan is on a stovetop, and the scene has a warm, close-up view. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but pack a flavorful punch. Each component plays a vital role in creating that classic sub experience—from the tender, juicy meatballs to the vibrant marinara and melty cheese topping.

Ground beef (95% lean): Creates juicy, tender meatballs without excess fat for a healthier bite.
Panko breadcrumbs: Adds lightness and structure to keep meatballs tender yet firm.
Egg: Acts as the perfect binder, holding all the ingredients together beautifully.
Garlic cloves minced: Infuses the meatballs with aromatic depth and a warm, savory note.
Italian seasoning: Brings classic Italian herb flavors like oregano, basil, and thyme for an authentic taste.
Red pepper flakes: Adds just a hint of heat to balance the richness of the beef.
Salt: Essential for enhancing every flavor in the meatballs and sauce.
Olive oil: Perfect for browning meatballs and adding that subtle fruity undertone.
Marinara sauce: A bright, tangy tomato sauce that wraps the meatballs in comforting familiarity.
Hot dog buns: Soft and sturdy, ideal for holding all the delicious fillings without falling apart.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully over the meatballs, providing a gooey, indulgent finish.

How to Make Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

If you’re making meatballs from scratch, start by combining ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt in a large bowl. Mixing them gently ensures tender meatballs. Shape this mixture into 24 evenly sized meatballs—this helps them cook uniformly and fit perfectly in buns.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the meatballs and turn them every minute or so to brown each side evenly. This step not only develops a rich flavor but also locks in juicy moisture inside the meatballs.

Step 3: Simmer Meatballs in Marinara

After browning, reduce the heat to low and carefully add marinara sauce around the meatballs. Cover the skillet with a lid, then cook over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F. This gentle simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Shortcut Using Frozen Meatballs

If you’re using frozen meatballs, simply heat the marinara sauce in a large skillet until it simmers, then add the frozen meatballs. Cover and cook on medium-low for around 25 minutes until they’re thoroughly warmed. This shortcut doesn’t sacrifice any comfort or flavor.

Step 5: Assemble the Subs

Place the hot dog buns on a baking sheet and preheat your oven’s broiler, positioning the rack about 6 inches below the heat source. Spoon three meatballs into each bun, generously ladle marinara sauce over them, and top with shredded mozzarella.

Step 6: Broil to Finish

Pop the subs under the broiler for 2-3 minutes just until the mozzarella melts and bubbles delightfully. Keep a close eye to prevent burning. The broiler enhances the dish with a golden, slightly crispy cheese topping that is simply irresistible.

How to Serve Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs Recipe

Eight meatball sandwiches are placed close together on a dark non-stick pan with a textured surface. Each sandwich has a soft light golden bun, split open to hold three round meatballs coated in rich red tomato sauce at the bottom layer. On top of the meatballs and sauce, there is a thick layer of creamy shredded white cheese scattered unevenly, covering nearly the whole surface of each sandwich. Some bits of cheese also lie scattered on the pan around the sandwiches. The simple colors and textures emphasize the fresh ingredients and tasty layers. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly chopped basil or parsley sprinkled on top adds a burst of color and fresh herbaceous aroma. A pinch of grated Parmesan can also elevate the cheesy goodness. For a little extra kick, drizzle some hot sauce or add pickled jalapeños to the subs.

Side Dishes

Pair your meatball subs with crispy oven-baked fries, a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, or even garlic roasted vegetables. These sides balance the richness and make your meal feel complete without overpowering the main star.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the meatball subs open-faced with extra cheese broiled to golden perfection. For a fun twist, slice the subs into smaller slider-sized portions perfect for parties or family gatherings. Wrapping each in parchment paper adds a cozy, rustic charm that’s both practical and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover meatball subs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and meatballs separate from the buns to prevent sogginess. Reassemble before reheating for the best texture.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked meatballs with marinara sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing the buns to maintain freshness. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and assemble the subs fresh.

Reheating

Reheat meatballs and sauce gently on the stovetop or microwave until warm throughout. Toast the buns separately in the oven or toaster before assembling for a freshly made sandwich experience. Then top with cheese and briefly broil if desired to revive that melty, golden finish.

FAQs

Can I use another type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork work wonderfully. Just keep in mind that leaner meats may need a bit more moisture or fat like olive oil or grated cheese to keep the meatballs tender.

How can I make the meatballs more flavorful?

Adding finely chopped onions, fresh herbs like parsley, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce can deepen the flavor. Be careful not to overload the mixture to keep the texture just right.

Do I need to use panko breadcrumbs?

Panko breadcrumbs are ideal for light, airy meatballs, but regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers will work well in a pinch. Adjust moisture accordingly to get the right consistency.

Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

Yes! Swap meatballs for plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free cheese. There are many delicious vegan meatball options that will still pair perfectly with marinara and buns.

What’s the best way to keep my buns from getting soggy?

To avoid sogginess, toast the buns lightly before assembling and consider placing a slice of cheese directly on the bun before adding sauce and meatballs; this forms a moisture barrier and keeps the bread delightfully fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs Recipe is such a joy to make and even more pleasurable to eat. It brings together simple ingredients with maximum comfort, perfect for those busy nights when you want something homey but fuss-free. Give it a try, and I guarantee it will become your go-to meal for satisfying sandwiches packed with Italian-inspired goodness.