Italian Meatball Subs: Is there anything more comforting and satisfying than sinking your teeth into a warm, saucy, and cheesy meatball sub? I think not! This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s a culinary hug, a taste of home, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser all rolled into one delicious package.

The meatball sub, while seemingly simple, has a rich history rooted in the Italian-American experience. Immigrants arriving in the United States brought with them their treasured meatball recipes, and resourceful cooks quickly adapted them to the ingredients available. The meatball sub emerged as a hearty and affordable meal, a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of these early culinary pioneers. It quickly became a staple in Italian-American delis and pizzerias, spreading its comforting influence across the nation.

What makes the Italian Meatball Sub so universally loved? It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The tender, juicy meatballs, simmered in a rich tomato sauce, are nestled in a soft, toasted roll. Then, generously topped with melted mozzarella cheese, creating a gooey, irresistible masterpiece. The convenience factor is also a major draw. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch, the Italian Meatball Sub is always a winning choice. So, let’s get cooking and create a meatball sub that will transport you straight to your favorite Italian-American eatery!

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal)
1/2 pound ground pork
1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned preferred)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

For the Subs:

4 Italian sub rolls
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
Optional toppings: sliced bell peppers, onions, pepperoncini

Making the Meatballs:

Okay, let’s get started with the heart of our sub the meatballs! This is where we build all that delicious flavor.

Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, egg, milk, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Don’t overmix! Overmixing will result in tough meatballs. Use your hands to lightly incorporate everything until just combined.
Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, roll the mixture into approximately 1 1/2-inch meatballs. You should get about 16-20 meatballs from this recipe. I like to use a cookie scoop to ensure they are all roughly the same size, which helps them cook evenly.
Sear the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the meatballs on all sides until browned. This step is crucial for developing a rich, flavorful crust on the meatballs. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through at this point; we’ll finish them in the sauce. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and prevent proper browning.
Set Aside: Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.

Preparing the Sauce:

Now, let’s create the luscious tomato sauce that will envelop our meatballs and make this sub truly unforgettable.

Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet you used to brown the meatballs (don’t discard those flavorful bits!), add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Incorporate Tomato Products: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
Season the Sauce: Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Stir well. The sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, but it’s optional depending on your preference.
Simmer: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.

Combining Meatballs and Sauce:

This is where the magic happens! We’ll let the meatballs simmer in the sauce, absorbing all that wonderful flavor.

Add Meatballs to Sauce: Gently add the browned meatballs to the simmering sauce. Make sure they are mostly submerged.
Simmer: Cover the skillet and simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer they simmer, the more tender the meatballs will become and the more flavorful the sauce will be.

Assembling the Subs:

Finally, the moment we’ve been waiting for! Let’s build those amazing meatball subs.

Prepare the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the Italian sub rolls lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Fill the Rolls: Spoon a generous amount of meatballs and sauce into each roll. Don’t be shy! We want these subs to be loaded.
Add Cheese: Top each sub with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake: Place the subs on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the rolls are lightly toasted.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the subs from the oven and garnish with fresh basil, if desired. You can also add other toppings like sliced bell peppers, onions, or pepperoncini for extra flavor and texture. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Meatball Subs:

Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture: This is the most important tip! Overmixing leads to tough meatballs.
Use a Good Quality Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend of ground beef will give you the best flavor and texture. The fat content is important for keeping the meatballs moist.
Sear the Meatballs: Don’t skip the searing step! It adds a ton of flavor and helps the meatballs hold their shape.
Simmer the Sauce Low and Slow: The longer the sauce simmers, the more flavorful it will become.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and garlic will make a big difference in the flavor of your sauce and meatballs.
Toast the Rolls: Toasting the rolls helps them hold up to the sauce and prevents them from getting soggy.
Get Creative with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings! Sliced bell peppers, onions, pepperoncini, and even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can add extra flavor and texture.

Variations:

Spicy Meatball Subs: Add more red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Cheesy Meatball Subs: Use a combination of mozzarella and provolone cheese for a richer, more complex flavor.
Vegetarian Meatball Subs: Substitute the ground meat with plant-based ground meat alternatives.
Garlic Bread Meatball Subs: Use garlic bread for the rolls for an extra garlicky flavor.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! My take on the ultimate Italian Meatball Subs. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal. From the juicy, perfectly seasoned meatballs to the tangy, homemade marinara sauce and the crusty, toasted bread, every element works together to create a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more.

What makes this recipe so special? It’s the combination of fresh ingredients, careful preparation, and a whole lot of love. I’ve spent years perfecting this recipe, tweaking it here and there until I achieved what I consider to be meatball sub perfection. And I’m so excited to share it with you!

But the best part about this recipe is its versatility. While I’ve outlined my favorite way to enjoy these subs, there are endless possibilities for customization. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Provolone is a classic, but mozzarella, fontina, or even a sprinkle of parmesan would be delicious. You could also add some sautéed peppers and onions for extra flavor and texture. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a little kick.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Serve these subs with a side of crispy potato chips or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
For a lighter option, try using whole wheat rolls or skipping the cheese altogether.
If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought marinara sauce, but I highly recommend making your own. It really does make a difference!
These meatballs are also fantastic on their own, served over pasta or polenta.
Consider using different types of ground meat. A combination of beef, pork, and veal is traditional, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.

I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering with friends, or even a special occasion. Imagine serving these mouthwatering subs at your next party they’re guaranteed to be a hit!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create some culinary magic. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And most importantly, have fun! Cooking should be an enjoyable experience, so relax, experiment, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. That’s how you learn and grow as a cook.

Once you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did you think of the flavor? What did your family and friends say? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I’m always eager to learn from my readers and see how they’ve put their own spin on my recipes.

Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends and family. The more people who try these amazing Italian Meatball Subs, the better! Happy cooking!

I can’t wait to hear all about your meatball sub adventures. Enjoy!