Description
These Meatball Subs with Cheese and Garlic Butter feature juicy homemade meatballs simmered in rich marinara sauce, melted mozzarella and provolone cheeses, and buttery garlic-glazed sub rolls. Perfectly toasted, flavorful, and comforting, they’re ideal for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or meal prepping with versatile ingredient swaps.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, turkey, or a blend)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (basil, parsley, oregano, or thyme), chopped
Garlic Butter
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sub Assembly
- 4 soft sub rolls (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce, warmed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: Combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, parmesan, egg, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs gently in a bowl, mixing just until combined to keep meatballs tender. Shape into evenly sized balls. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or pan-fry until golden brown and cooked through, ensuring a crispy outside and juicy inside.
- Make the Garlic Butter: Melt unsalted butter in a small pan over low heat. Stir in minced fresh garlic and let it infuse until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, without browning.
- Toast the Sub Rolls: Slice sub rolls lengthwise, leaving a hinge. Brush the insides with warm garlic butter generously. Toast in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes or on a skillet until crisp, golden, and buttery.
- Assemble the Subs: Spoon a generous layer of warm marinara sauce into each toasted roll. Nestle the hot meatballs inside, then top with shredded mozzarella and provolone. Return to the oven for 5 minutes or until cheese melts and bubbles.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the hot subs. Serve immediately to enjoy the warm, melty cheese, tender meatballs, and rich garlic butter flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh minced garlic for the butter to maximize vibrant flavor.
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender.
- Toast rolls thoroughly to prevent sogginess and add crunch.
- Combine mozzarella and provolone for ideal melt and taste.
- Warm marinara sauce gently before assembling for better flavor and cheese melting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sub
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: meatball subs, garlic butter, melted cheese, comfort food, easy sandwich, homemade meatballs, marinara sauce, toasted sub rolls