Easy Meatball Subs (Using Frozen Meatballs)
These easy meatball subs using frozen meatballs are a quick weeknight dinner made with marinara sauce, toasted rolls, and plenty of melted mozzarella cheese.
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen fully cooked meatballs
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 6 hoagie rolls or French rolls
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 Tablespoon melted butter for toasting the rolls
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Heat meatballs and sauce. Add frozen meatballs, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) to a large skillet over medium heat.
- Simmer. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the lid and simmer 3–5 minutes more if the sauce needs to thicken.
- Prepare the rolls. Slice rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Remove a small amount of the inside bread to create a well for the meatballs.
- Toast the rolls. Brush the inside of the rolls with melted butter and toast in the oven for about 5 minutes.
- Assemble the subs. Place 5–6 meatballs in each roll. Spoon a little extra sauce over the meatballs and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake. Place sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the edges of the rolls are lightly crisp.
- Serve. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and let rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Notes
How many meatballs per sub? Plan on about 5–6 frozen meatballs per sandwich, depending on their size and the rolls you use.
Use fully cooked frozen meatballs. Most frozen meatballs at the grocery store are fully cooked, which makes this recipe quick and easy. If using homemade meatballs, cook them first before adding to the sauce.
Choose sturdy rolls. Hoagie rolls or French rolls work best because they’re sturdy enough to hold the sauce and meatballs without getting soggy.
Don’t skip toasting the bread! Toasting the rolls before assembling helps keep the sandwiches from becoming soggy and adds great texture.
Cheese variations. Mozzarella melts beautifully, but provolone or a mozzarella-provolone blend also works well for meatball subs.
Make ahead tip. You can assemble the sandwiches ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate. Bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Slow cooker option. Add frozen meatballs, marinara sauce, and seasonings to a slow cooker and cook on low for about 3 hours. Assemble the sandwiches and bake as directed.
