👉Meatball Parmesan Subs – Recipes on a Budget

🥖 Meatball Parmesan Subs

If you’re craving comfort food, nothing hits the spot quite like a classic Meatball Parmesan Sub. Juicy homemade meatballs, melty mozzarella, and rich marinara all tucked into a warm, toasty roll — this is Italian-American comfort at its finest!

🧾 Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 clove garlic, minced
1 egg
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup marinara sauce
4 sub rolls
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2️⃣ Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined — don’t overmix.

3️⃣ Form and Bake
Shape the mixture into meatballs (about 1.5 inches wide) and place on a baking sheet.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.

4️⃣ Heat the Sauce
While the meatballs bake, warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.

5️⃣ Assemble the Subs
Split each sub roll. Add 3–4 meatballs per sandwich, spoon over warm marinara sauce, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.

6️⃣ Bake the Subs
Place the filled subs on a baking sheet and return to the oven for 5–10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

7️⃣ Serve and Enjoy
Optional: Garnish with extra parsley, red pepper flakes, or Parmesan before serving.

🧮 Nutrition Information (per sub, serves 4)

Calories: 520
Fat: 26g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g

❓ 20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, just be sure to not overcook since turkey dries out faster.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — prep the meatballs and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Absolutely. Bake, cool, and freeze them in a single layer. Reheat in marinara.
What kind of marinara is best?
A thick, hearty sauce works well. Homemade or store-bought both work.
Can I toast the buns first?
Yes! Toasting adds great texture. You can butter and broil them if desired.
Is mozzarella the only cheese that works?
Provolone or an Italian blend are great alternatives.
Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Sure, but homemade will give the best flavor.
What bread should I use?
Hoagie rolls, sub rolls, or even ciabatta rolls work great.
Can I add extra toppings?
Try sautéed onions, bell peppers, or banana peppers.
Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely — just skip spicy toppings if needed.
How can I make it spicy?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy marinara.
Can I grill the meatballs instead of baking?
Yes, just be careful they don’t fall apart.
Should I drain the fat from the meatballs?
If they’re very greasy, yes — pat them with a paper towel.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Use plant-based meat or lentil-based meatballs.
How long do leftovers last?
Store assembled subs in the fridge for up to 3 days, or meatballs for 5.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes — great for parties or meal prep.
What sides go well with these?
Serve with fries, a side salad, or garlic knots.
Do I need to cover while baking?
No — baking uncovered lets the cheese get bubbly and browned.
Can I make them slider-size?
Yes! Use smaller rolls and mini meatballs for party-friendly bites.
Do I need to cook the garlic before adding it?
No, it cooks through while baking the meatballs.