Why Make This Recipe
Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs are the perfect solution for busy nights. They are quick to prepare and require minimal cooking skills. With just a few ingredients, you can create a hearty, satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a warm sub stuffed with flavorful meatballs, gooey cheese, and rich marinara sauce? This recipe not only saves time but also brings everyone together around the dining table.
How to Make Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs
Ingredients:
- 1 package frozen Italian-style or turkey meatballs (20–24 count)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 4–6 hoagie or sub rolls
- 8 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese
- 2 Tbsp butter, melted
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Directions:
Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Begin by placing the frozen meatballs in a large skillet or saucepan. Pour the entire jar of marinara sauce over the meatballs. Cover the pan and heat over medium heat for 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally so that the meatballs heat evenly.
Prepare Oven and Rolls: While the meatballs are cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the hoagie rolls and slice them open. Make sure not to cut all the way through, so they stay connected at the back.
Mix Butter and Spices: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Brush this mixture generously on the inside of each sliced roll. This will add flavor and help create a nice texture.
Toast the Rolls: Place the prepared rolls on a baking sheet. Toast them in the preheated oven for about 3–5 minutes. You want them to be crisp on the outside, which acts as a barrier to keep the filling from making the bread soggy.
Add Cheese and Meatballs: Once the rolls are toasted, remove them from the oven. Place a slice of cheese in each roll. Then, take 4–5 meatballs from the sauce and nestle them inside the rolls. Spoon some extra marinara sauce over the meatballs.
Sprinkle with Parmesan: Finish by sprinkling shredded Parmesan cheese over the top of each sub. This adds a delicious salty flavor that complements the meatballs and marinara.
Melt the Cheese: Return the assembled subs to the oven for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, making everyone eager to dig in!
Serve Warm: Once they are out of the oven, let the meatball subs cool for a minute or so. Serve them warm for the best experience.
How to Serve Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs
These subs are versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are some suggestions:
- With a Side Salad: Pair your meatball subs with a simple green salad for a light and balanced meal.
- Chips or Fries: Serve with potato chips or homemade fries for extra crunch and satisfaction.
- Pickles or Olives: A side of pickles or olives can add a bit of zest and contrast to the richness of the subs.
- Extra Sauce: Keep a small bowl of extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Everyone can customize their meal to their taste!
How to Store Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs
If you have leftovers (which is rare but can happen), follow these storage tips:
In the Refrigerator: Allow the subs to cool completely. Wrap each sub in aluminum foil or place them in a shallow airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
In the Freezer: You can freeze the unassembled subs if you have leftovers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw in the refrigerator, then bake at 400°F until hot and bubbly.
Tips to Make Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs
Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your subs depends a lot on the quality of the meatballs and marinara sauce. Try to use a well-rated brand or even make your own if you have the time.
Customize Your Cheese: While provolone and mozzarella are typical choices, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a bit of heat.
Add Vegetables: For some extra texture and nutrition, consider adding sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the subs before the cheese. This can elevate the flavor and make the meal even more satisfying.
Spice It Up: If you like some heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce while it simmers.
Variation
You can easily switch up this recipe with a few clever variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based meatballs or falafel in place of traditional meatballs.
- BBQ Meatball Subs: Switch out the marinara for BBQ sauce for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread Subs: Use garlic bread rolls instead of hoagie rolls to add extra flavor.
- Italian Hoagie: Add sliced salami or pepperoni for a meat-lover’s delight!
FAQs
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh homemade meatballs. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are heated through properly.How do I make meatballs from scratch?
To make meatballs, combine ground meat (beef, pork, or turkey), breadcrumbs, eggs, spices, and herbs. Form into balls and bake or pan-fry until cooked through.Can I prepare these subs ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble everything ahead of time but keep the bread separate until you are ready to bake. Store the meatballs and sauce in the refrigerator and then combine for a quick bake.
These Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs are sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can enjoy a hearty, warming meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy this delicious take on a classic and feel the love in every bite!
Print
Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian option available
Description
Quick and simple meatball subs that are perfect for busy weeknights, featuring flavorful meatballs, gooey cheese, and rich marinara sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen Italian-style or turkey meatballs (20–24 count)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 4–6 hoagie or sub rolls
- 8 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese
- 2 Tbsp butter, melted
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Combine meatballs and sauce: Place the frozen meatballs in a large skillet or saucepan. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, cover, and heat on medium for 10–12 minutes.
- Prepare oven and rolls: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and slice open the hoagie rolls.
- Mix butter and spices: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Brush this mixture on the inside of each sliced roll.
- Toast the rolls: Place the rolls on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 3–5 minutes.
- Add cheese and meatballs: Remove rolls from the oven, place a slice of cheese in each roll, and nestle 4–5 meatballs inside.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan: Add shredded Parmesan over each sub.
- Melt the cheese: Return to the oven for about 5 minutes, until cheese is melted.
- Serve warm: Let the subs cool for a minute and serve warm.
Notes
For variations, try using plant-based meatballs or BBQ sauce instead of marinara.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sub
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg