Meatball Subs

These meatball subs are some serious comfort food! The recipe serves 6 people and costs just $9.33 to make and $1.56 per serving! 

So you just made a bunch of freezer meatballs. Now what? Wait, you haven’t made them yet?! Go make them now! I’ll wait. 

Ok, now that we are all on the same page and you have your freezer meatballs made, you are now fully ready to make this delicious meatball sub recipe. Meatball subs are perfect for feeding a crowd and are so simple to make. These would be great for a family dinner, a get together you are hosting, or as some crave-worthy game day grub.

The freezer meatballs are such a great size that you really only need two per sub. The combination of sauce, meat, and cheese in every bite really makes this the BEST meatball sub ever!

We know this will become a favorite recipe for your family. What family function or event will you make these homemade meatball subs for?

MEATBALL SUB QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

What toppings are good on a meatball sub?

My favorite topping to add are some roasted peppers. It’s so simple and takes the meatball sub to the next level! Another option is to add some olives and spinach. Yum! One other idea is to add some parmesan and roasted tomatoes. Lots of good options people! 

What is the best cheese for a meatball sub?

We think the most cost-effective choice in cheese for the meatball sub is mozzarella. Provolone is delicious but it is a little more pricey when trying to feed a 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. 

How to Make Easy Meatballs Recipe:

1. First, melt the butter and garlic and then brush it over the subs. 
2. Next, broil the bread until browned. 
3. Then, place the meatballs and sauce in a large saucepan and heat until the meatballs are thawed and heated through. Be sure to stir the mixture occasionally. 
4. After the meatballs are ready, add them to the subs and pour the desired amount of sauce over the meatballs. 
5. Finally, top with mozzarella cheese and you are ready to eat your meatball sub!

How to get the kids involved with this recipe:

• Ages 2-3: Let your little one have fun sprinkling the cheese on top of the subs. They can also help you brush the subs with the butter mixture before broiling them. 
• Ages 4-5: Let them help you place the butter in the microwave to melt. Teach them which buttons to push. Also, let them brush the butter over the subs. They can also help you spoon the sauce over meatballs in the subs. 
• Ages 6-8: Have them pour the sauce and meatballs into the saucepan. Have them stir the meatball carefully every couple of minutes. Let them help prepare the subs by filling them with the meatballs and sauce and then sprinkle the cheese on top. 
• Ages 9-11: Supervise them while they prepare the entire recipe. Remember to have them read it twice before beginning the recipe. 
• Ages 12+: Let them prepare the entire recipe, unsupervised, while you do the happy dance in the corner!

Discover why we love getting the kids involved in the kitchen and more tips in our How to Get Kids Involved In Cooking article.

The flavor and Recipe Variations:

• If you’re short on time and don’t have a batch of our meatballs in the freezer, then you can buy frozen meatballs from the grocery store. They won’t be as good, but they will work in a pinch. 

What to Serve with Easy Meatball Subs:

• A coleslaw salad, green leafy salad, and/or some fresh cut watermelon would be delicious!
• Chicken Pasta Salad *Pro-tip: leave out the chicken to make this a side dish
• Green Beans Almondine
• Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

How long is this good for:

• Serve: Assembled subs will keep at room temperature for 60 minutes. We 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, we do not recommend freezing these meatball subs. 

More $10 recipes:

• 20-Minute Thai Peanut Noodles
• BBQ Chicken Braid
• Easy Chana Masala
• Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes
• Homemade Sloppy Joes
• Inside Out Chicken Pot Pie
• Italian Zucchini Boats
• Jenna’s Chicken Pillows

How much will this Meatball Subs cost:

RECIPE COST: $9.33

PER SERVING COST: $1.56

To find out more on how we price our recipes, check out Budget Recipes Explained.

• 6 sub rolls – $2.98
• 3 Tablespoons butter – $0.30
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – $0.02
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – $1.15
• 2 cups marinara sauce – $1.28
• 12 freezer meatballs – $3.60

Cook’s Tools: 

• saucepan
• rimmed baking sheet
• pastry brush

Meatball Subs

Recipe Cost 9.33

Serving Cost 1.56

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

These meatball subs are some serious comfort food! The recipe serves 6 people and costs just $9.33 to make and $1.56 per serving! 

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Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 15 mins

Total Time 25 mins

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Equipment

• saucepan
• rimmed baking sheet
• pastry brush

Ingredients

• 6 sub rolls
• 3 Tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 12 meatballs

US Customary - Metric

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!

Nutrition

Calories: 447kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 919mg | Potassium: 445mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 655IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 121mg | Iron: 12mg

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