Delightful Cheesy Meatball Subs You’ll Love to Make

Easy Cheesy Meatball Subs Recipe

Cozy, Comforting Meatball Subs You’ll Crave All Year Round

Hey there, friends! I’m Diana Norris, a home cook and food blogger here to share one of my all-time favorite recipes – the easy, cheesy meatball subs. These subs are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or whenever you need a cozy, satisfying meal. Follow me on DianaCookingE on Pinterest to see more of my favorite recipes and kitchen tips.

I first discovered this recipe a few years ago when I was craving something warm, melty, and delicious, but I didn’t have a ton of time to spend in the kitchen. After a bit of experimenting, I landed on this easy cheesy meatball sub recipe, and it’s been a staple in my household ever since. The smell of the juicy meatballs and melted cheese wafting through the kitchen is enough to make anyone’s mouth water!

Why This Recipe Works (and Why You’ll Love It!)

What I love most about this easy cheesy meatball subs recipe is how simple yet satisfying it is. The meatballs are so flavorful, and when you pair them with gooey melted cheese and toasted sub rolls, it’s an unbeatable combination. Plus, it all comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting and delicious without a lot of fuss.

I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it never fails to impress. My family and friends always rave about how tasty and satisfying the meatball subs are, and I love that I can easily customize them to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick and easy meal, this easy cheesy meatball subs recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

Ingredients for Easy Cheesy Meatball Subs

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 4 sub rolls, split lengthwise
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Diana’s Tip: When it comes to the meatballs, I like to use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage for extra flavor. You can also swap in ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.

Optional Add-Ins and Variations

One of the best things about this easy cheesy meatball subs recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some fun ways to customize it:

• Spicy Meatballs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meatball mixture for a little extra kick.
• Veggie-Packed Subs: Load up your subs with sautéed onions, peppers, mushrooms, or any other veggies you love.
• Festive Toppings: For a holiday twist, top your meatball subs with cranberry sauce, stuffing, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
• Cheesy Variations: Try swapping in different cheeses, like provolone, cheddar, or even a creamy Alfredo sauce, for a delicious flavor twist.

Step-by-Step Method for Easy Cheesy Meatball Subs

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well incorporated.
3. Diana’s Tip: To prevent the meatballs from becoming tough, be gentle when mixing the ingredients. Overworking the meat can make the meatballs dense and dry.
4. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and lightly browned.
6. While the meatballs are baking, warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
7. Once the meatballs are done, add them to the warm marinara sauce and stir gently to coat.
8. Arrange the split sub rolls on a baking sheet and top each one with the meatball and sauce mixture.
9. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the subs.
10. What I Messed Up At First: I used to just throw the subs in the oven to melt the cheese, but I found that toasting the rolls first helps them hold up better and prevents them from getting soggy.
11. Bake the stuffed subs for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Serve the easy cheesy meatball subs hot and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this easy cheesy meatball subs recipe is pretty straightforward, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

• Overworking the Meatballs: As I mentioned earlier, it’s important not to overmix the meatball ingredients, as this can lead to tough, dense meatballs.
• Overcooking the Meatballs: Keep a close eye on the meatballs while they’re baking to ensure they don’t dry out. They should be cooked through but still juicy.
• Skipping the Toasted Rolls: Toasting the sub rolls before assembling the subs is a crucial step that helps prevent them from getting soggy.
• Overstuffing the Subs: While you want to load up those subs with delicious meatballs and sauce, be careful not to overstuff them, as this can make them difficult to eat.

My Tested Substitutions

As I mentioned, this easy cheesy meatball subs recipe is pretty flexible when it comes to ingredients. Here are some of my favorite substitutions that work well:

• Ground Meat: You can use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage, or swap in ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers work great as a substitute for regular breadcrumbs.
• Cheese: Provolone, cheddar, or even a creamy Alfredo sauce can be used in place of the mozzarella cheese.
• Sauce: While I love using a classic marinara sauce, you can also try a pesto, Alfredo, or even a spicy arrabbiata sauce.

How to Customize This Recipe

One of the best things about this easy cheesy meatball subs recipe is how easy it is to customize to your liking. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Dietary Needs: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in the meatballs. To make it dairy-free, swap the cheese for a plant-based alternative.
• Flavor Profiles: As mentioned earlier, you can easily change up the flavors by adding spices, herbs, or different sauces and toppings.
• Serving Sizes: This recipe can easily be scaled up or down to feed a crowd or just your family. You can also make mini meatball sliders for a fun appetizer or party dish.

Serving Ideas for Easy Cheesy Meatball Subs

These easy cheesy meatball subs are the perfect main dish for a cozy family dinner, but they also make a great party or game day appetizer. I love to serve them with a fresh green salad, roasted veggies, or a side of garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. And don’t forget the napkins – these subs can get a little messy, but that’s all part of the fun!

Meal Prep and Storage Instructions

One of the best things about this easy cheesy meatball subs recipe is that it’s perfect for meal prepping. You can make the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge or freezer. When you’re ready to assemble the subs, just reheat the meatballs and sauce, toast the rolls, and you’re good to go.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the subs on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also freeze the assembled subs for up to 2 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 4g

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give this easy cheesy meatball subs recipe a try! It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion, and I know you and your family or friends will love it. Remember to follow me on DianaCookingE on Pinterest for more of my favorite recipes and kitchen tips. Happy cooking, and enjoy those delicious meatball subs!