Discover the ultimate comfort food with my easy and delicious meatball grinders! Perfect for busy moms like me, this recipe offers a quick and satisfying meal the whole family will love.
The recipe serves 6 people and costs just $16.45 to make and $2.74 per serving!
When life gets hectic and I need a quick yet comforting meal, these meatball grinders are my go-to recipe. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when I’m juggling work, kids’ activities, and household chores. The subs are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients that I usually have on hand.
Plus, there’s something so satisfying about biting into a warm, crusty roll filled with juicy, flavorful meatballs smothered in marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s like a hug in a sandwich, offering a much-needed moment of comfort and joy amidst the chaos.
Table of Contents
What I Love About This Meatball Grinder Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients with easy-to-follow instructions.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults.
- Quick Meal Option: Perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients & Estimated Cost:
- 6 sub rolls – $4.29
- 3 Tablespoons salted butter – $0.42
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – $0.02
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – $1.07
- 2 cups marinara sauce – $1.59
- 12 freezer meatballs – $9.06
The recipe cost is calculated by the amounts needed and will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. To learn more about how we price our recipes, check out Budget Recipes Explained. The pricing for this recipe was updated in July 2024.
Equipment
- saucepan
- rimmed baking sheet
- pastry brush
How To Make Meatball Subs
Prepare the Bread
- Brush melted butter and garlic over the subs. Broil until browned.
Heat the Meatballs
- Place meatballs and sauce in a large saucepan. Heat until meatballs are thawed and heated through, stirring occasionally.
Assemble the Subs
- Add the heated meatballs and sauce to the subs. Top with mozzarella cheese and enjoy.
Cooking Tips
Be sure to toast the bread lightly after adding the butter and garlic mixture. This helps the bread stay crispy and prevents it from becoming too soggy once you add the sauce and meatballs. Plus, it adds an extra layer of texture and flavor to your delicious meatball subs!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, frozen meatballs work great for this recipe. I love my freezer meatball recipe. They are homemade meatballs that you freeze to use later. Alternatively, you can use any store bought brand. Just make sure to heat them thoroughly in the sauce.
What type of bread works best?
Sub rolls, hoagie rolls, ginder rolls, or any sturdy bread that can hold the meatballs and sauce without falling apart.
What toppings are good on a meatball grinder?
My favorite topping to add is roasted peppers. It’s so simple and takes the meatball sub to the next level! Another great option is adding olives and spinach. You could also try adding some Parmesan and roasted tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
What can I serve with meatball subs?
They pair well with a Caesar salad, french fries, chips, or steamed vegetables.
What is the best cheese for a meatball sub?
I think the most cost-effective choice for cheese in a meatball sub is mozzarella. Provolone is delicious, but it’s a bit more pricey when trying to feed the whole family.
How do you reheat meatball subs?
To reheat your meatball sub, the best option is to reheat it in your oven or toaster oven at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes. This helps keep the crispness of the bread. However, if you are short on time, just throw it in the microwave for about 2 minutes.
Storage Tips
SERVE: Assembled subs will keep at room temperature for 60 minutes. I recommend that you eat them sooner than that because the bread will become soggy with the sauce!
STORE: Components of the meatball subs can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
FREEZE: Because the meatballs have been previously frozen, and the bread will have sauce on it, I do not recommend freezing these meatball subs.
Recipe Variations
BBQ Meatball Subs: Swap the marinara for your favorite BBQ sauce and add some pickles and coleslaw.
Spicy Meatball Subs: Add sliced jalapeños and use a spicy marinara sauce or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Cheesy Meatball Subs: Add a layer of ricotta or cream cheese under the meatballs for an extra creamy texture.
More Main Dish Recipes
- Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes
- Homemade Sloppy Joes
- Inside Out Chicken Pot Pie
- Italian Zucchini Boats
- Jenna’s Chicken Pillows
Meatball Grinder
Recipe Cost 16.45 Serving Cost 2.74Equipment
- saucepan
- rimmed baking sheet
- pastry brush
Ingredients
- 6 sub rolls
- 3 Tablespoons salted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 12 meatballs
Instructions
- First, melt the butter and garlic and then brush it over the subs. Place the rolls on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Next, broil the bread until browned.
- Then, place the meatballs and sauce in a large saucepan and heat over medium heat until the meatballs are thawed and heated through, about 8-10 minutes. Gently stir the mixture every couple of minutes.
- After the meatballs are heated through, add them to the subs and pour the desired amount of sauce over the meatballs.
- Finally, top with mozzarella cheese and you are ready to eat your meatball sub!
Amanda says
I can’t get enough of this Meatball Subs recipe. It’s so good!
Kaitlyne says
Husband and I enjoyed these so much! It was super easy and we have enough stuff to make these again this month without having to buy anything else!
Jess Jankowski says
Love that you have enough to make it again. Total win for the budget!
Andrea Metlika says
What a fabulous quick, easy and delicious weeknight meal!
Jess Jankowski says
Love those kinds of meals!
Sara Welch says
Such a fun and tasty sub! Even my picky eaters gobbled this up; delish!
Jess Jankowski says
So happy to hear that!! Gives us hope for our picky eaters!!
Jessica Robinson says
Love homemade meatball subs! My mom made homemade meatballs and froze them all the time! Great idea!
Jess Jankowski says
That’s awesome! Thanks for stopping by!
Anita says
We love these. And it’s super easy to prepare, especially when using store-bought meatballs for minimal work in the kitchen. 🙂
Jess Jankowski says
Absolutely! Thanks for stopping by!
Jacqueline Meldrum says
I’ve been meaning to make a veggie version of this for a while and you have given me lots of ideas. I’m leaving inspired!
Jess Jankowski says
That is so good to hear! Having inspiration with recipes is super exciting!
Jessica Formicola says
We made these for dinner last night and they were amazing! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
M Caroline says
Oh wow, my husband loved these! He made them last night and they’re all gone already!
Jess Jankowski says
That’s awesome!! So happy they were a hit!
Susan Broughton says
My family would love this recipe!
Jess Jankowski says
It’s a winner for sure!
Cindy Jenkins says
Meatballs and I go waaaaaaay back! If it has meatballs, chances are I’ll love it! Can’t wait to give this one a try! It looks great!!
Jess Jankowski says
Awesome! I feel like meatballs get ignored far too often so I am glad to hear of your love for them too!
Miki says
My boyfriend is going to love these!!!
Jess Jankowski says
My husband LOVES this recipe!