Cheesy Meatball Subs are a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal that transforms simple ingredients into a flavor-packed experience, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This recipe offers a straightforward path to creating these delicious handheld delights right in your own kitchen.
Key Ingredients for Cheesy Meatball Subs:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended for best flavor and juiciness)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 8 hoagie rolls or sub rolls
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated provolone cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How to Make Cheesy Meatball Subs:
Get ready to assemble a seriously satisfying meal! These Cheesy Meatball Subs are incredibly easy to whip up, boasting a rich, savory flavor profile that will have everyone asking for seconds. The combination of tender meatballs simmered in a zesty marinara sauce, all tucked into a soft roll and blanketed with gooey, melted cheese, makes this a guaranteed winner. This delightful dish comes together in approximately 45 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and delicious dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Gently mix all ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs.
- Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into uniform meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 16-20 meatballs depending on size.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Carefully add the meatballs in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (you may need to brown them in batches). Cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.
- Simmer in Marinara: Pour the jar of marinara sauce into the skillet with the browned meatballs. Stir to combine, ensuring all meatballs are coated in sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Prepare the Rolls: While the meatballs are simmering, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise, but do not cut all the way through, keeping one side attached to create a hinge.
- Assemble the Subs: Carefully arrange 2-3 meatballs with a generous spoonful of marinara sauce inside each prepared roll.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the meatballs and sauce in each roll. If using, add the provolone cheese as well.
- Bake to Melt: Place the assembled subs on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the rolls are lightly toasted.
- Serve: Carefully remove the cheesy meatball subs from the oven. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Meatball Subs:
You’ll absolutely adore these Cheesy Meatball Subs for their ultimate comfort food appeal, featuring perfectly tender, savory meatballs nestled in a rich marinara, all embraced by gloriously melted cheese. Making these at home is a fantastic way to save money compared to takeout, offering a generous portion of deliciousness for a fraction of the cost. What truly elevates this recipe are the simple yet impactful flavors, from the well-seasoned meatballs to the tangy marinara and the irresistible gooey cheese topping.
Unlike a simple hot dog, these subs offer a hearty and satisfying experience that feels like a true meal. They are wonderfully versatile, adaptable to your favorite cheese combinations or even adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Don’t wait – gather your ingredients and bring this delightful Cheesy Meatball Sub recipe to life in your own kitchen tonight!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing Leftovers: Once cooled, you can store any leftover Cheesy Meatball Subs by carefully wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or placing them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best to store the meatballs and sauce separately from the rolls if you plan on longer storage to prevent the rolls from becoming soggy upon reheating.
- Reheating Options:
- Oven Method (Best for maintaining texture): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the subs on a baking sheet and reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted. For best results, reheat just the meatballs and sauce first until hot, then assemble with fresh rolls and cheese and bake briefly to melt the cheese.
- Microwave Method (Quickest): Reheat individual portions on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be aware that the rolls may become softer with this method.
- Freezing: To freeze Cheesy Meatball Subs for future meals, allow the cooked meatballs and sauce to cool completely. Portion the meatballs and sauce into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. You can also freeze the assembled subs before baking, ensuring they are well-wrapped. Frozen subs can be stored for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts:
These Cheesy Meatball Subs are a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary and comforting. We hope you’ll gather your loved ones and enjoy this mouthwatering recipe very soon!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Cheesy Meatball Subs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Gently mix all ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs.1 pound ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Roll the mixture into uniform meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 16-20 meatballs depending on size.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Carefully add the meatballs in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (you may need to brown them in batches). Cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pour the jar of marinara sauce into the skillet with the browned meatballs. Stir to combine, ensuring all meatballs are coated in sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.1 24 ounce jar marinara sauce
- While the meatballs are simmering, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise, but do not cut all the way through, keeping one side attached to create a hinge.8 hoagie rolls or sub rolls
- Carefully arrange 2-3 meatballs with a generous spoonful of marinara sauce inside each prepared roll.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the meatballs and sauce in each roll. If using, add the provolone cheese as well.2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated provolone cheese
- Place the assembled subs on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the rolls are lightly toasted.
- Carefully remove the cheesy meatball subs from the oven. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.Fresh basil or parsley