BEST CHEESY MEATBALL SUBS EVER

Imagine sinking your teeth into a toasted, crusty roll overflowing with juicy, savory meatballs, smothered in rich marinara sauce, and blanketed with a thick layer of gloriously melted cheese – that’s the promise of these Cheesy Meatball Subs. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food, and I promise you, this recipe is a total game-changer!

The Starring Roles: Ingredients for Epic Meatball Subs

Let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, most of them are pantry staples, and I’ll share some sneaky shortcuts along the way to make these Cheesy Meatball Subs a breeze.

Meatballs: The Heart of the Matter

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal for flavor)
• 1/2 pound ground pork (adds moisture and richness)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or Italian-seasoned work great)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Sauce: The Flavor Amplifier

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

The Assembly Crew: Making it a Sub!

• 6-8 sub rolls (hoagie rolls or Italian rolls)
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (or provolone, or a blend!)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for toasting the rolls)
• Optional: fresh basil leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step to Meatball Sub Nirvana

Alright, let’s get cooking! This recipe is broken down into easy-to-follow steps. I promise it’s easier than ordering takeout, and *way* tastier.

Meatball Mania: Mixing and Shaping

1. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, milk, minced garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
2. Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.

Sauce Boss: Simmering to Perfection

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

Meatball Immersion: Cooking in the Sauce

1. Gently drop the meatballs into the simmering sauce. Make sure they are mostly submerged.
2. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. The longer they simmer, the more flavorful they become. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Submarine Construction: Building the Dream

1. While the meatballs are simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the sub rolls lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through.
3. Brush the inside of each roll with melted butter.
4. Place the rolls on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them; you don’t want burnt bread!

Cheese Cascade: The Grand Finale

1. Remove the toasted rolls from the oven.
2. Using a slotted spoon, transfer 3-4 meatballs onto each roll.
3. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over the meatballs.
4. Top with a mountain of shredded mozzarella cheese. Don’t be shy – this is where the “cheesy” in Cheesy Meatball Subs *really* shines!

Meltdown Mode: The Final Bake

1. Return the loaded subs to the oven and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Optional: For an extra touch of flavor and color, broil the subs for the last minute or two, watching carefully to prevent burning.
3. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Meatball Sub Mastery: Tips, Tricks, and Tweaks

Okay, my friend, now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about some ways to customize these Cheesy Meatball Subs and make them *perfect* for *you*.

• Meatball Mix-ins: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses in your meatball mixture. A little Pecorino Romano or Asiago can add a fantastic salty tang. You could even add some finely chopped veggies like onions, carrots, or zucchini for extra nutrients.
• Sauce Sensations: If you’re short on time, you can absolutely use a good-quality store-bought marinara sauce. Just be sure to choose one you love! To elevate it, sauté some garlic and onions in olive oil before adding the sauce, and simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors meld. A splash of red wine can also add depth.
• Cheese Choices: Mozzarella is a classic choice, but don’t be afraid to branch out! Provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would be delicious. For a sharper flavor, try adding a sprinkle of Parmesan or Asiago on top.
• Bread Basics: The type of roll you use can make a big difference. Hoagie rolls are a classic choice, but Italian rolls, French rolls, or even ciabatta rolls would work well. Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold all those meatballs and sauce! Toasting the rolls is crucial to prevent them from getting soggy.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the sauce. You could also use a spicy Italian sausage in place of some of the ground pork.
• Make-Ahead Magic: You can make the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This makes assembling the subs a breeze when you’re ready to serve them.

Serving Suggestions: Making it a Meal

These Cheesy Meatball Subs are a complete meal on their own, but they’re even better with some tasty sides. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Classic Companions: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the subs. Coleslaw, potato salad, or macaroni salad are also great choices.
• Veggie Ventures: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or zucchini are a healthy and delicious side dish.
• Crispy Cravings: French fries, onion rings, or tater tots are always a crowd-pleaser.
• Soup Sensations: A light soup like tomato soup or minestrone soup would be a perfect starter.

Why These are the BEST Cheesy Meatball Subs EVER (Seriously!)

What makes these Cheesy Meatball Subs so darn good? It’s a combination of factors:

• The Flavorful Meatballs: The blend of ground beef and ground pork creates a juicy and tender meatball with tons of flavor.
• The Rich Marinara Sauce: Simmering the sauce with onions, garlic, and herbs infuses it with a depth of flavor that you just can’t get from a jarred sauce.
• The Generous Cheese: Let’s be honest, more cheese is always better! The melted mozzarella cheese creates a gooey, satisfying layer that complements the meatballs and sauce perfectly.
• The Toasted Rolls: Toasting the rolls prevents them from getting soggy and adds a nice crispy texture.

These aren’t just any meatball subs; they’re the *ultimate* comfort food. They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or a game-day party. Speaking of Good Game Day Food, these Cheesy Meatball Subs are always a touchdown! Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, especially if you use some of my shortcuts. They’re Easy American Food done right! Looking for other delicious meatball creations? Try these Keto Garlic Butter Meatballs for a low-carb twist, or warm up with a bowl of Creamy Italian Meatball Soup. If you love a French Onion flavor profile, you’ll go crazy for these French Onion Meatballs. And if you like sandwiches, then you should definitely try this Cheesy Ground Beef Melt. Or for something a little different, check out this Cheesy Hamburger Casserole or Cheesesteak Stuffed Garlic Bread. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get ready to make the best Cheesy Meatball Subs you’ve ever tasted! You’ve got this!