Mini Meatball Subs
There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a Mini Meatball Sub—the soft, toasted bun, the juicy, flavorful meatballs, and that rich, saucy goodness all topped with melty cheese. These little subs are perfect for game nights, casual dinners, or even as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be a regular in your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfectly Portable Great for parties, potlucks, or lunch on the go.
Big Flavor, Mini Size All the deliciousness of a classic meatball sub in a bite-sized version.
Quick & Easy Ready in no time, making them a great weeknight meal option.
Customizable Swap the meat, sauce, or cheese to fit your preferences.
Kid-Friendly A guaranteed hit with little ones and adults alike.
Ingredients
Meatballs
Ground Beef: The base of these juicy, flavorful meatballs. Ground turkey or chicken works too.
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind everything together while keeping the meatballs tender.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, savory depth to the meat mixture.
Egg: Essential for binding the ingredients.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic for bold flavor.
Italian Seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs that complement the meatballs beautifully.
Salt & Black Pepper: Enhances all the flavors.
Olive Oil: For browning the meatballs and adding richness.
Sauce
Marinara Sauce: The heart of these subs, packed with tomato goodness and herbs.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but adds a little kick.
Assembly
Mini Sub Rolls: Soft, slightly toasted rolls that hold everything together.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully over the meatballs for that irresistible cheesy pull.
Fresh Basil (Optional): A touch of fresh basil for extra flavor.
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix until just combined, then roll into small meatballs.
Cook the Meatballs
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides.
- Pour in marinara sauce, cover, and let simmer for about 10 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked.
Assemble the Subs
- Slice the mini sub rolls and lightly toast them.
- Place 2-3 meatballs into each roll, spooning extra sauce over the top.
Add the Cheese
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the meatballs.
- Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 400
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Mini Meatball Subs
These little subs pair perfectly with:
- Garlic bread for an extra indulgent meal.
- A side salad for a fresh, balanced plate.
- French fries or potato wedges for a hearty side.
- Roasted veggies to lighten things up.
Additional Tips
- Use store-bought meatballs for an even quicker version.
- Toast the buns to prevent sogginess from the sauce.
- Add extra cheese for an even richer bite.
- Make it spicy by adding crushed red pepper to the sauce.
- Freeze leftovers for an easy future meal.
FAQ’s
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.
2. Can I use frozen meatballs?
Absolutely! Just heat them in the marinara sauce until warmed through.
3. What’s the best cheese for meatball subs?
Mozzarella is the classic choice, but provolone or Parmesan works well too.
4. Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! Hoagie rolls, baguettes, or even Hawaiian rolls work great.
5. How do I keep the subs from getting soggy?
Lightly toast the buns before adding the meatballs to create a barrier.
6. Can I make these meatballs in the oven?
Yes! Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-18 minutes until fully cooked.
7. What sides go well with this?
Garlic bread, salad, or roasted veggies are all great options.
8. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
9. How do I store leftovers?
Keep the meatballs and sauce separate from the buns to prevent sogginess. Reheat before assembling.
10. Can I add veggies to the meatballs?
Absolutely! Finely chopped spinach, onions, or bell peppers work great.
Conclusion
These Mini Meatball Subs are the ultimate comfort food, packed with rich flavors and melty cheese in a perfectly portable size. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a party, or just because, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
PrintMini Meatball Subs
These Mini Meatball Subs are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or main dish. Juicy homemade meatballs are simmered in marinara sauce, then served in toasted mini rolls with melted cheese. Perfect for game nights, parties, or a family-friendly meal!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 mini subs
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
**For the Meatballs:**
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
**For the Sauce:**
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
**For Assembly:**
– 8 mini sub rolls or slider buns
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and parsley. Mix until well combined.
3. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
5. Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet, add red pepper flakes (if using), and let the meatballs simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Slice the mini rolls open and place them on a baking sheet. Brush the inside with melted butter mixed with garlic powder.
7. Place 2-3 meatballs inside each roll, spoon some sauce over them, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes
– Use store-bought frozen meatballs for a quicker version.
– Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
– Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
– Toast the rolls under the broiler for extra crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini sub
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
