Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs
These Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs are cheesy, saucy, and perfect for family dinners, bringing comfort and flavor together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For assembly
- 1 jar marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined and form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in size.
- Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through.
Cooking
- While the meatballs are baking, pour the marinara sauce into a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer.
- Once the meatballs are ready, place them in the sauce. Lightly toast the sub rolls in the oven for a few minutes if you prefer a crunchy exterior.
- Place a few meatballs in each toasted sub roll, drizzle with marinara sauce, and sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.
- If you like your cheese bubbly and slightly golden, pop the assembled subs in the oven for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, let them cool for a moment, then serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping!
Notes
For a twist, consider substituting ground beef with lean turkey or a plant-based option for a lighter version. If you're not a fan of marinara sauce, try a garlic-herb sauce or spicy arrabbiata. Keep an eye on the baking time, as not all ovens behave the same.