Cheesy meatball subs are a delicious and filling meal that everyone loves. They are easy to make and perfect for lunch or dinner. The combination of juicy meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted cheese on a hoagie roll creates a mouth-watering experience. If you’re looking for a quick and tasty meal, these cheesy meatball subs are a fantastic option. For a different take on meatballs, you might also want to try making 15-minute sausage meatballs.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It uses simple ingredients that are commonly found in your kitchen. Cheesy meatball subs can be enjoyed by both kids and adults, making them a crowd-pleaser. Additionally, this recipe can easily be customized to suit your preferences, whether you want to add some vegetables or try different types of cheese. You can also serve them with a side salad or some crispy fries for a complete meal.
How to Make Cheesy Meatball Subs
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
- In a saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat.
- When meatballs are done, add them to the sauce and ensure they are well coated.
- Cut the hoagie rolls and place them on a baking dish.
- Fill each roll with the meatballs and sauce, then sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake in the oven for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot and enjoy your cheesy meatball subs.
How to Serve Cheesy Meatball Subs
When serving cheesy meatball subs, you can garnish them with extra chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. They are great on their own, or you can serve them with some crispy potato chips or a simple green salad on the side. The leftovers can be stored for later enjoyment, so don’t be afraid to make extra!
How to Store Cheesy Meatball Subs
To store leftover cheesy meatball subs, allow them to cool completely. Wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container, then refrigerate. They can be stored for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the sub in a microwave or oven until heated through. For a different cooking method, consider heating up some air fryer frozen meatballs for a fast alternative.
Tips to Make Cheesy Meatball Subs
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture; this helps keep the meatballs tender.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs are cooked to 160°F (70°C).
- Feel free to mix in spices like Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for an extra kick. You could also try variations by using turkey in place of beef with recipes like baked turkey meatballs.
Variation
You can easily switch up the types of cheese you use. For a smoky flavor, try smoked mozzarella, or for something sharper, consider using provolone cheese. Additionally, adding sautéed peppers or onions into the subs can maximize their flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked meatballs?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pre-cooked meatballs instead of making them from scratch. Just heat them up in marinara sauce and assemble the subs.
Are there vegetarian options for meatball subs?
Absolutely! You can opt for plant-based meatballs or make your own using lentils, beans, and vegetables.
How can I make these subs spicy?
To add some heat, you can mix in crushed red pepper flakes into the meat mixture or add sliced jalapeños to the marinara sauce.
Cheesy Meatball Subs
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley For garnish
- 1 piece egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- to taste Salt and pepper
For Assembling
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 4 pieces hoagie rolls
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
Cooking Meatballs
- Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
- In a saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat.
- When the meatballs are done, add them to the sauce and ensure they are well coated.
Assembling Subs
- Cut the hoagie rolls and place them on a baking dish.
- Fill each roll with the meatballs and sauce, then sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake in the oven for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving
- Serve hot and enjoy your cheesy meatball subs.
