If you’re craving something hearty, melty, and utterly satisfying, these Cheesy Meatball Subs are about to become your new favorite. Each bite delivers juicy homemade meatballs smothered in rich marinara, nestled in soft sub rolls, and blanketed in gooey, golden mozzarella. This is comfort food at its finest, and it’s surprisingly simple to make.

Whether you’re planning a casual dinner, looking for a game day crowd-pleaser, or simply wanting something indulgent for a weekend treat, this recipe fits the bill. It transforms a humble sandwich into something crave-worthy with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Meatball Subs Recipe

This sub is everything you want in a comfort sandwich: it’s saucy, cheesy, and piled high with savory meatballs. The flavor combo is familiar but never boring. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and works great for both weeknight meals and gatherings. You can also prep the meatballs ahead and reheat them right before assembling.

What Kind of Sub Rolls Should I Use?

Go with sturdy hoagie or sub rolls that can hold up to the meatballs and sauce without falling apart. Look for rolls that are soft inside but slightly crusty on the outside. Toasting them lightly before assembly helps add structure and keeps them from getting soggy.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Meatball Subs

The ingredients here are simple and pantry-friendly, but each one plays a vital role in building up that crave-worthy flavor.

Ground beef brings rich, juicy texture to the meatballs.

Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs and give them tenderness.

Egg keeps everything together.

Garlic and onion infuse the meatballs with bold flavor.

Italian seasoning adds that classic herb touch.

Salt and black pepper balance and enhance all the other ingredients.

Marinara sauce is the saucy base that ties everything together.

Mozzarella cheese melts perfectly for that irresistible gooey layer.

Sub rolls are the vessel that brings it all together.

Olive oil is used for cooking the meatballs evenly.

How To Make the Cheesy Meatball Subs

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.

Step 2: Form and Cook the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the meatballs on all sides until browned. Then pour in marinara sauce, reduce heat, cover, and let them simmer until fully cooked through.

Step 3: Toast the Rolls

While the meatballs simmer, preheat your oven to 375°F. Slice the sub rolls lengthwise and lightly toast them in the oven until edges are just crisp.

Step 4: Assemble the Subs

Spoon several meatballs into each roll, ladle some sauce over the top, then generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese over everything.

Step 5: Bake to Melt the Cheese

Return the filled subs to the oven and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Serve hot.

How to Serve and Store Cheesy Meatball Subs

These cheesy subs are best served hot, straight from the oven while the cheese is gooey and the bread is still slightly crisp. This recipe makes 4 generous subs, enough to serve 4 hungry people. If you’re serving sides, you might stretch it to feed 6.

If you have leftovers, store the meatballs and sauce separately from the bread to prevent sogginess. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the meatballs in a skillet or microwave, then assemble fresh subs when ready to enjoy again.

What to Serve With Cheesy Meatball Subs?

Garlic Parmesan Fries

Crispy oven-baked fries tossed in garlic and Parmesan are a classic pairing.

Caesar Salad

A tangy, crisp Caesar salad cuts through the richness of the subs.

Roasted Broccoli

Simple roasted broccoli brings some greens to balance the meal.

Pickle Spears

Crunchy pickles add a tangy contrast that refreshes your palate.

Potato Chips

Sometimes the best side is the easiest one.

Pasta Salad

A cold pasta salad with Italian dressing adds another texture and flavor element.

Baked Mozzarella Sticks

Double down on cheese with a side of these irresistible snacks.

Grilled Veggies

Lightly charred zucchini, peppers, and onions add a smoky complement.

Want More Sandwich Ideas?

If you love hearty sandwiches like this, don’t miss these other favorites from the blog:

Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls for that sweet-savory balance.
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli if you want a creamy twist on comfort.
Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe for an easier take on stuffed peppers.
Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Ground Meat to switch it up with Asian flavors.
Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef when you want something cozy and hearty.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra cheesy or add a spicy marinara twist? Maybe you tossed in some sautéed peppers or mushrooms?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated comfort recipes on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next go-to dinner winner!

Conclusion

These Cheesy Meatball Subs are a warm, saucy, cheesy delight that everyone at the table will love. Perfect for any casual dinner or get-together, they hit that sweet spot between indulgence and ease. Try them once and they’ll be on repeat in your kitchen.