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Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs Recipe

4.6 from 117 reviews

This Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs recipe offers a delicious and comforting meal perfect for busy evenings. Juicy homemade meatballs are simmered in rich marinara sauce and served in warm hot dog buns topped with melted mozzarella cheese, making it a satisfying sandwich everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground beef 95% lean
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 12 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Other

  • 24 meatballs, homemade or frozen
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 8 hot dog buns
  • 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the meatball mixture: In a bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Shape the mixture into 24 evenly sized meatballs.
  2. Cook the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, ensuring they develop a nice crust. Once browned, pour in the marinara sauce and reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until the meatballs are cooked through, about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Assemble the subs: Preheat the broiler. Place the cooked meatballs into each hot dog bun, spoon extra marinara sauce over the top, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese evenly.
  4. Broil to melt cheese: Place the assembled subs on a baking sheet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  5. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the meatball subs hot, optionally garnished with additional Italian seasoning or fresh basil for extra flavor.

Notes

  • You can use store-bought frozen meatballs to save time without sacrificing flavor.
  • Feel free to customize the subs with additional toppings like sliced peppers, onions, or fresh herbs to suit your taste.
  • For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add hot sauce to the marinara.
  • To make it gluten-free, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free buns.

Keywords: meatball subs, easy dinner, weeknight meal, meatball sandwich, marinara, mozzarella, homemade meatballs