14 Delicious Meatball Sub Sandwich Recipes

Dive into the ultimate comfort food experience with our roundup of 14 Delicious Meatball Sub Sandwich Recipes! Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or planning a cozy weekend feast, these mouthwatering variations promise to satisfy every taste. From classic Italian to bold new twists, there’s a sub here to make your taste buds sing. Keep reading to discover your next favorite sandwich!

Classic Italian Meatball Sub

Perfect for a hearty lunch, the Classic Italian Meatball Sub combines juicy meatballs, tangy marinara, and melted cheese on a toasted roll.

Ingredients

• For the meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
• For the sauce:
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
• For assembling:
  • 4 sub rolls
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until just combined.
3. Shape into 12 meatballs, about 1.5 inches each. Tip: Wet hands prevent sticking.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides, about 5 minutes. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan.
5. Transfer meatballs to a baking dish. Pour marinara over them.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, until meatballs reach 165°F internally.
7. Split sub rolls and toast lightly. Tip: Brush with olive oil for extra crunch.
8. Place 3 meatballs in each roll, top with sauce and mozzarella.
9. Broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.

Warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor, these subs are best served with a side of crisp pickles or a fresh salad for contrast.

Spicy Meatball Sub with Jalapeños

Make your taste buds dance with this Spicy Meatball Sub with Jalapeños. It’s a fiery twist on a classic that packs a punch.

Ingredients

• For the meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped jalapeños
• For the sauce:
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1/4 cup chopped jalapeños
• For assembling:
  • 4 sub rolls
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 1/4 cup jalapeños until combined. Tip: Don’t overmix to keep meatballs tender.
3. Shape into 12 meatballs, place on a baking sheet, and bake for 20 minutes. Tip: Space them evenly for even cooking.
4. In a saucepan, heat marinara sauce and 1/4 cup jalapeños over medium heat for 5 minutes. Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Slice sub rolls open, but not all the way through, and toast lightly.
6. Place 3 meatballs in each roll, top with sauce, and sprinkle with mozzarella.
7. Broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Kick up the heat with extra jalapeños on top. The meatballs are juicy, the sauce is bold, and the melted cheese brings it all together. Serve with a side of cool ranch to balance the spice.

Cheesy Meatball Sub with Mozzarella

Perfect for a hearty lunch, this Cheesy Meatball Sub with Mozzarella combines juicy meatballs, rich sauce, and melted cheese in a soft roll.

Ingredients

• For the meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
• For the sauce:
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
• For assembling:
  • 4 sub rolls
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until combined.
3. Shape the mixture into 12 meatballs, each about 1.5 inches in diameter.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides, about 5 minutes total.
5. Add marinara sauce to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Split sub rolls lengthwise, without cutting all the way through.
7. Place 3 meatballs in each roll. Spoon sauce over the meatballs.
8. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over each sub.
9. Bake in the oven for 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Zesty and satisfying, the melted mozzarella stretches with every bite, while the fresh basil adds a bright contrast. Serve with a side of crispy fries for the ultimate comfort meal.

BBQ Meatball Sub Sandwich

Craving something hearty and flavorful? This BBQ Meatball Sub Sandwich combines juicy meatballs, tangy BBQ sauce, and melted cheese for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• For the meatballs: 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup milk, 1 egg, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• For the BBQ sauce: 1 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp smoked paprika
• For assembling: 4 sub rolls, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup diced onions

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until combined.
3. Shape the mixture into 12 meatballs, each about 1.5 inches in diameter.
4. Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
5. While meatballs bake, combine ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika in a saucepan over medium heat.
6. Simmer the BBQ sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
7. Remove meatballs from oven and toss in the BBQ sauce until fully coated.
8. Slice sub rolls open and layer with BBQ meatballs, shredded cheese, and diced onions.
9. Place assembled subs under broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Yield: The melted cheese and tangy BBQ sauce complement the juicy meatballs perfectly. Try serving with a side of pickles for an extra crunch.

Vegetarian Meatball Sub with Lentils

Make your meatless Monday exciting with this hearty vegetarian meatball sub. Lentils and spices come together for a satisfying bite.

Ingredients

• For the meatballs:
  • 1 cup cooked lentils
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
• For the sauce:
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• For assembling:
  • 4 sub rolls
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix lentils, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until combined.
3. Shape mixture into 12 balls. Place on baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.
4. Tip: For firmer meatballs, refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes before shaping.
5. In a saucepan, heat marinara sauce and red pepper flakes over medium heat for 5 minutes.
6. Tip: Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
7. Add baked meatballs to the sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
8. Split sub rolls. Fill each with 3 meatballs and sauce. Top with mozzarella.
9. Broil subs for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.
10. Tip: For extra crunch, toast the rolls before assembling.

Chewy lentils and melted cheese make every bite delicious. Serve with a side of pickles for a tangy contrast.

Meatball Sub with Homemade Marinara

Vibrant flavors come together in this meatball sub with homemade marinara, a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and simple to make.

Ingredients

• For the meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
• For the marinara sauce:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
• For assembling:
  • 4 sub rolls
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper until just combined.
3. Shape into 12 meatballs, about 1.5 inches each. Tip: Wet hands prevent sticking.
4. Bake meatballs on a lined tray for 20 minutes, until browned.
5. For sauce, heat olive oil in a pan over medium. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and basil. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Add baked meatballs to sauce, simmer for 5 more minutes. Tip: Simmering melds flavors.
8. Split sub rolls, toast lightly if desired. Tip: Toasting adds crunch.
9. Divide meatballs and sauce among rolls, top with mozzarella.
10. Broil subs for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.

Hearty meatballs smothered in rich marinara and melted cheese offer a satisfying bite. Serve with a side of crispy fries for the ultimate comfort meal.

Garlic Bread Meatball Sub

Overloaded with flavor, this Garlic Bread Meatball Sub combines juicy meatballs, melted cheese, and garlicky bread into one hearty meal. Perfect for game day or a quick dinner fix.

Ingredients

• For the meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
• For the sauce:
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
• For the sub:
  • 4 sub rolls
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until combined.
3. Shape the mixture into 12 meatballs, each about 1.5 inches in diameter.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides, about 5 minutes.
5. Add marinara sauce to the skillet. Simmer meatballs in sauce for 10 minutes, covered.
6. Meanwhile, split sub rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through.
7. Mix softened butter and minced garlic in a bowl. Spread evenly inside the sub rolls.
8. Place sub rolls on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 5 minutes until lightly crispy.
9. Remove rolls from oven. Fill each with 3 meatballs and sauce. Top with mozzarella.
10. Broil subs for 2-3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Kick up the flavor by adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving. The crispy garlic bread contrasts beautifully with the tender meatballs and gooey cheese. Try serving with a side of extra marinara for dipping.

Meatball Sub with Peppers and Onions

Bold flavors come together in this hearty meatball sub, packed with savory meatballs, sweet peppers, and caramelized onions.

Ingredients

• For the meatballs: 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1 egg, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
• For the topping: 1 large onion sliced, 1 bell pepper sliced, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt
• For assembling: 4 sub rolls, 1 cup marinara sauce, 1 cup shredded mozzarella

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until just combined.
3. Shape into 12 meatballs, about 1.5 inches each. Tip: Wet your hands to prevent sticking.
4. Bake meatballs on a lined tray for 20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
5. While meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onions and peppers, sprinkle with salt, and cook for 15 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized. Tip: Stir occasionally for even cooking.
6. Warm marinara sauce in a small pot over low heat.
7. Slice sub rolls lengthwise, not all the way through, and toast lightly if desired.
8. Place 3 meatballs in each roll, top with onions and peppers, then spoon over marinara and sprinkle with mozzarella.
9. Broil subs for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Tip: Watch closely to avoid burning.

Juicy meatballs and melted cheese contrast with the crisp roll and sweet veggies. Try serving with a side of garlic fries for an extra indulgent meal.

Buffalo Chicken Meatball Sub

Looking for a twist on the classic sub? These Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs pack a punch with spicy, tangy flavors wrapped in a soft roll.

Ingredients

• For the meatballs: 1 lb ground chicken, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1 egg, 2 tbsp Buffalo sauce, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt
• For the sauce: 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce, 2 tbsp melted butter
• For assembling: 4 sub rolls, 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing, 1 cup shredded lettuce, 1/2 cup diced celery

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, 2 tbsp Buffalo sauce, garlic powder, and salt until combined.
3. Shape mixture into 12 meatballs, placing them on the prepared baking sheet. Tip: Wet hands prevent sticking.
4. Bake for 20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Meanwhile, whisk together 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce and melted butter in a large bowl.
6. Toss baked meatballs in the sauce mixture until fully coated.
7. Split sub rolls and toast lightly if desired. Tip: Toasting adds crunch.
8. Spread blue cheese dressing on each roll, then add shredded lettuce and diced celery.
9. Place 3 meatballs in each roll. Drizzle with extra sauce if desired. Tip: Serve with extra celery sticks for crunch.

Spicy, creamy, and crunchy, these subs are a flavor explosion. Try serving them with a side of ranch for dipping to cool the heat.

Meatball Sub with Pesto Sauce

Hungry for a twist on the classic meatball sub? This version swaps traditional marinara for vibrant pesto, offering a fresh, herby kick that’s irresistibly good.

Ingredients

• For the meatballs: 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1 egg, 2 tbsp milk, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
• For the pesto sauce: 2 cups fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/3 cup pine nuts, 3 garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp salt
• For assembling: 4 sub rolls, 1 cup shredded mozzarella

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, milk, salt, and pepper until just combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
3. Shape the mixture into 12 meatballs, each about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
5. While the meatballs bake, make the pesto. In a food processor, blend basil, Parmesan, olive oil, pine nuts, garlic, and salt until smooth.
6. Slice the sub rolls open without cutting all the way through. Spread pesto inside each roll.
7. Place 3 meatballs in each roll. Top with shredded mozzarella.
8. Return the subs to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts.

Kick up the flavor by toasting the rolls before assembling. The pesto’s freshness balances the rich meatballs, while melted mozzarella adds a gooey texture. Serve with a side of crispy fries for the ultimate comfort meal.

Open-Faced Meatball Sub

These open-faced meatball subs are a hearty twist on the classic, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. They’re loaded with flavor and easy to customize.

Ingredients

• For the meatballs: 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1 egg, 2 tbsp minced garlic, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
• For the sauce: 2 cups marinara sauce, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• For assembling: 4 slices Italian bread, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper until just combined.
3. Shape into 12 meatballs, about 1.5 inches each. Tip: Wet hands prevent sticking.
4. Place meatballs on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
5. While meatballs bake, heat marinara sauce and red pepper flakes in a saucepan over medium heat for 5 minutes.
6. Toast Italian bread slices under broiler for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden.
7. Top each bread slice with sauce, 3 meatballs, and mozzarella. Broil for 2-3 minutes, until cheese melts. Tip: Watch closely to avoid burning.
8. Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Tip: Let subs sit for 2 minutes for easier handling.

Golden, bubbly cheese contrasts with the tender meatballs and crisp bread. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.

Meatball Sub with Ricotta and Basil

Gather around for a hearty Meatball Sub with Ricotta and Basil that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. This dish combines juicy meatballs, creamy ricotta, and fresh basil for a flavor-packed meal.

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the assembly:

• 4 sub rolls
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper until just combined.
3. Shape the mixture into 12 meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides, about 2 minutes per side.
5. Transfer meatballs to a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Slice sub rolls open. Spread 1/4 cup ricotta on each roll.
7. Top with 3 meatballs and 2 tbsp marinara sauce per roll.
8. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Juicy meatballs and creamy ricotta make every bite of this sub a delight. Try serving it with a side of crispy fries for the ultimate comfort meal.

Gluten-Free Meatball Sub

Unbelievably delicious and easy to make, this gluten-free meatball sub is a game-changer for anyone avoiding gluten. Perfect for a quick dinner or a satisfying lunch.

Ingredients

• For the meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
• For the sauce:
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
• For assembling:
  • 4 gluten-free sub rolls
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, gluten-free breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Shape the mixture into 12 meatballs, each about 1.5 inches in diameter.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes total.
5. Transfer meatballs to a baking dish. Pour tomato sauce over them and sprinkle with oregano and salt.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
7. Split sub rolls and toast lightly in the oven for 3 minutes.
8. Place 3 meatballs in each roll, top with sauce and mozzarella cheese.
9. Return to oven for 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Not only is this sub packed with flavor, but the meatballs are also incredibly tender. Serve with a side of roasted veggies for a complete meal.

Meatball Sub with a Twist of Sriracha

Zesty and bold, this meatball sub gets a fiery upgrade with sriracha. Perfect for spice lovers craving a hearty meal.

Ingredients

• For the meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp sriracha
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
• For the sauce:
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 2 tbsp sriracha
• For assembling:
  • 4 sub rolls
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, 2 tbsp sriracha, garlic powder, and salt until combined. Tip: Don’t overmix to keep meatballs tender.
3. Shape into 12 meatballs, place on a baking sheet, and bake for 20 minutes or until browned.
4. While meatballs bake, combine marinara sauce and 2 tbsp sriracha in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 5 minutes. Tip: Adjust sriracha to control heat level.
5. Slice sub rolls open, toast lightly if desired.
6. Place 3 meatballs in each roll, top with sauce and mozzarella.
7. Broil subs for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts. Tip: Watch closely to prevent burning.

Rich in flavor with a spicy kick, the sriracha adds depth to the classic meatball sub. Serve with a side of pickled jalapeños for extra heat.

Conclusion

Perfect for any occasion, these 14 meatball sub sandwich recipes offer a tasty twist on a classic favorite. Whether you’re craving something spicy, cheesy, or packed with veggies, there’s a recipe here to satisfy. We’d love to hear which one becomes your go-to! Don’t forget to leave a comment with your favorite and share this roundup with fellow foodies on Pinterest. Happy cooking!