My Meatball Parmigiana Sub is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, cheesy, and packed with rich Italian flavors. A classic Italian meatball, that is juicy and smothered in marinara sauce, topped with melted cheese, and served on toasted sub rolls for the perfect hot sandwich. Easy to make and absolutely satisfying, this meatball sub is ideal for weeknight dinners, game day, or a casual meal with friends and family.
This meatball parmigiana sub is a simple, delicious, and comforting sandwich that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a quick meal or serving a crowd, it’s sure to be a hit!
Jump to:
- Why You Will Love This Meatball Parmigiana Sub
- Ingredients
- Substitutions and Variations
- How to Make a Meatball Parmesan Sub
- More Recipes You Will Love
- How to Store a Meatball Parmigiana Sub
- What to Serve with Meatball Subs
- Top Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions About Making a Meatball Parmesan Sub
- More Recipes You Will Love
- Meatball Parmigiana Sub Recipe
I love repurposing one recipe to another. This meatball sub was inspired by my Meatball Parmigiana. If you love meatball recipes you have to try our Sweet and Sour Meatballs, BBQ Meatball Sliders, Carnivore Meatballs, Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes and our Italian Meatballs Recipe.
Why You Will Love This Meatball Parmigiana Sub
- Quick & Easy: Minimal prep and just a few minutes in the oven.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that kids and adults will enjoy.
- Perfectly Cheesy: Mozzarella melts beautifully over the saucy meatballs.
- Great for Leftovers: Use leftover meatballs to whip up a quick and delicious meal.
- Customizable: Adjust toppings or use different cheeses to suit your taste.
Ingredients
A short trip to the grocery store to grab a few essentials, and you will be ready to make this meatball sub in no time. Grab extra for a double batch because it will go quick!
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Marinara Sauce: Any store-bought or your favorite homemade rich tomato sauce will do.
- Pre-Cooked Meatballs: We use our meatball parmigiana recipe but use any leftover or homemade meatballs.
- Buns: Any submarine bun will work well; we used an 8-inch in this recipe.
- Mozzarella Cheese: We use slices because it is simpler, but you can shred your own mozzarella.
For this recipe, you'll want to have on hand a baking sheet, parchment paper, and a measuring cup.
Substitutions and Variations
The best part about recipes like this is the versatility! Here are some ways you can get creative and change it up.
- Bun Alternative: Use ciabatta, hoagie rolls, or even garlic bread for extra flavor.
- Cheese Swap: Try provolone cheese, parmesan cheese, or a mix of Italian cheeses.
- Sauce Option: Use homemade marinara or a spicier arrabbiata sauce for a twist.
- Meatball Variety: Use turkey, chicken, or plant-based meatballs for dietary preferences.
- Toasted Upgrade: Brush buns with garlic butter before toasting for added flavor.
- Topping Add-Ons: Mix it up with any of your favorite toppings like fried onions, roasted peppers, etc.
How to Make a Meatball Parmesan Sub
Check out how quick and easy it is to make this sub recipe.
Preheat oven to 350F, and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
If desired, add cooked meatballs into a large bowl with marinara for extra sauce.
Assemble the sandwiches by spreading sauce to the bottom of the bun, followed by the meatballs and mozzarella cheese.
Bake in the oven for 5 minute or until cheese is melted.
Hint: Preheating the oven ensures the cheese melts evenly and the bun gets slightly toasted.
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How to Store a Meatball Parmigiana Sub
For maximum freshness it is best to assemble this sub when you are ready to serve it. Here are some ways to help.
- Refrigerator: The bun will start to get soggy the longer it sits, so it is best to assemble when you are ready to eat. If desired, assemble and place in an airtight container for 1-2 days. When ready to serve, brush the tops with butter and pop them in the oven.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and foil to prevent freezer burn and they can last up to 3 months. Again, they will be most fresh if assembled close to when they will be eaten.
- Reheating: Thaw fully and you can warm up in the oven or a toaster oven.
- Make Ahead: Since this is a basic assemble recipe, cooking your meatballs and storing them in the fridge in advance works well. Warm them up as needed and prepare your sliders.
What to Serve with Meatball Subs
- Side Salad: A fresh Caesar or mixed greens salad balances the hearty sandwich.
- Garlic Bread: The perfect way to soak up extra marinara sauce.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy oven-baked or fried potato wedges complement the sub.
- Soups: A roasted tomato soup or our creamy roasted butternut squash soup pairs well with the robust flavors of the meatball parmigiana sub.
- Baked Vegetables: Our tender baked carrots are coated in a rich, buttery glaze with hints of cinnamon, offering a sweet complement to the savory meatball sub.
- Sautéed Vegetables: A quick and flavorful side featuring tender green beans sautéed with sweet shallots and garlic, adding a fresh contrast to the hearty sub.
- Mozzarella Sticks: Double up on cheesy goodness.
- Cornbread without Buttermilk: Enjoy this moist and slightly sweet cornbread, perfect for soaking up extra marinara sauce from your sub.
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: A refreshing drink to pair with the rich flavors. Our homemade strawberry lemonade is a great option.
- Red Wine or Beer: A great pairing for a more sophisticated meal experience.
Top Tips
Here are some of our top tips to consider when making this easy recipe.
- Don’t be afraid to load up the sauce, the bread will soak it up and it helps to keep everything extra moist.
- Use a good quality roll or bun. The sturdier it is, the better it will hold up against the sauce and meatballs.
- Broil for extra crispiness and to make the cheese golden.
- This sub is great on its own, but you can make it part of a meal by serving it with chips, French fries or a side salad.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making a Meatball Parmesan Sub
Do you have questions about making a Meatball Parmigiana Sub?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs will offer a fresher and more customized flavor if you have the time.
While mozzarella is the traditional choice for meatball parm subs, you can mix in other cheeses like provolone, parmesan, or fontina for added flavor. A blend of mozzarella and provolone creates a nice balance of melty goodness.
Yes! You can make your sub your own add a variety of ingredients like onions, bell peppers, olives, or even fresh basil to customize the flavor. You can even drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze or hot sauce for extra kick.
For the best meatball parm subs, use sub rolls, hoagie buns, or Italian baguettes. Make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the meatballs and sauce without falling apart.
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Meatball Parmigiana Sub Recipe
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Measuring Cup
Ingredients
- 1 cup marinara sauce or as needed
- 8-10 meatballs cooked
- 2 8- inch buns
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F, and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
- If desired, add cooked meatballs into a small bowl with marinara for additional sauce.
- Assemble the sandwiches by spreading sauce to the bottom of the bun, followed by the meatballs and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 5 minute or until cheese is melted.
Notes
- Preheating the oven ensures the cheese melts evenly and the bun gets slightly toasted.
- Don’t be afraid to load up the sauce, the bread will soak it up and it helps to keep everything extra moist.
- Use a quality roll or bun. The sturdier it is, the better it will hold up against the sauce and meatballs.
- Broil for extra crispiness and to make the cheese golden.
- This sub is great on its own, but you can make it part of a meal by serving it with chips, French fries or a side salad.
Nutrition
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Madhumita Sathishkumar says
This looks like the ultimate comfort food, so delicious!
Eva Filer says
It sure is a good one! And so fun to customize.
Abi says
Love how easy to put everything together to make a great meal option!
Eva Filer says
Thanks. It sure is a good one for a busy night or weekend!
Eva Filer says
We love how simple it is to put this dish together! It is perfect for a quick lunch idea.