How to Make Meatball Subs

As I write this I am sitting poolside. It is a steamy 91 degrees outside and the kids have been playing in the pool for at least 2 hours now. The last thing I want to do is go home and have to spend an hour in the kitchen getting dinner together.

I think we all have days when everyone is exhausted and hungry and the thought of cooking in the kitchen for an hour is just too much! It is days like this when you need my Easy Meatball Sub recipe to get dinner on the table quickly.

I don’t know if I can truly call Easy Meatball Subs a “recipe”, it is really more of a how-to. I keep it super easy by using store-bought frozen meatballs (more on those later), store-bought marinara (perfect way to use up the half empty jar from the back of your fridge), you can be flexible on the cheese too (use what you have), and add a few spices from your spice cabinet. If you’re headed to the store, grab some hoagie buns… but if all you have are a couple hot dog buns, those will work too!

What does a meatball sub contain?

• Frozen Meatballs – Yep! I give you total permission to make an incredible dinner with frozen meatballs. Not everything has to be homemade to be delicious. Pick your family’s favorite frozen meatball and get this dinner started.
• Buns – Since this is a pretty hearty sandwich I would opt for a hoagie bun instead of a hot dog bun. it is going to hold up to the sauce, cheese, and big meatballs best.
• Cheese – Choose a melty cheese that will go well with Italian flavors. Provolone, mozzarella or even Monterey jack will work great.
• Marinara Sauce – You can use store bought marinara or pizza sauce here! I’m guessing you have a jar of marinara sauce in your pantry right now… use that! Nothing special, just use that one that you like the flavor of best.
• Seasonings – A mix of garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes makes the toasted bun/roll even tastier!

What Meatballs to Use in a Meatball Sub

So, again, super flexible with the meatballs in this “recipe”.  It just calls for store-bought frozen meatballs, just like this Instant Pot Spaghetti with Frozen Meatballs. You can use turkey, chicken, sausage, or beef meatballs. Whatever your family likes!

If you are a fan of Costco like we are, then you should definitely check out these Italian Beef Meatballs. They are our favorite:

These are the meatballs that I choose to use in my Easy Meatball Subs. They are seasoned to perfection and have an almost grilled flavor in the background.

But if you really want to make your own meatballs, these are delicious, easy and quick recipes for Instant Pot Italian Meatballs and Instant Pot Turkey Meatballs. Or you can check out these Baked Italian Meatballs or Chicken Meatballs.

Meatball Sub Recipe Variations

As you have read previously, this recipe is super flexible! There are lots of ways you can customize Easy Meatball Subs to suit your family:

• Make it vegetarian by using veggie meatballs.
• Try using turkey, chicken or sausage meatballs.
• Use whatever cheese you have in the house. Mozzarella, Provolone, Gouda, or Monterey Jack would all work perfectly!
• Kick up the heat by adding a lot of red pepper flakes.
• Use whatever marinara sauce your family loves.
• Try adding a little pesto for a basil heavy flavor.
• If you have fresh basil in your fridge or on the back patio, give it a quick chop and sprinkle it on the sub.

What to Serve with Meatballs Subs

This is a great casual dinner that comes together quickly. So plan on side dishes that also come together quickly with very little effort. Some of my favorites are frozen green beans popped in the oven with a little extra virgin olive oil and salt and pepper, a big store-bought caesar salad, or pan sauteed zucchini with garlic and parmesan.

If you need it to be really easy, open a bag of kettle chips and grab some baby carrots out of the fridge. #reallife

Dinner Recipes

If you like this recipe, here are some other easy dinner recipes on Mom’s Dinner:

• Barbecue Chicken in Parchment with Sweet Potatoes & Peppers
• 2 Minute Honey Mustard Sauce
• Barbecue Chicken Pizza
• Homemade Sloppy Joes

Share the Love

If you made this recipe let me know how it turned out! Comment below, drop me a line, rate the recipe, or share it on social media. The buttons at the top of the page make it super easy to share on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter.

I hope you give this “recipe” for Easy Meatball Subs a try in your kitchen.

Love- Susie