We can safely say this is about the most delicious sandwich you will ever make, eat, and serve.
Of course, a good meatball sub is only as good as its meatballs, and, boy, oh boy, do we have you covered. Finish it off with a little homemade marinara, melty mozzarella, and a soft submarine roll, and you've got a sandwich for the record books!
How To Make the Best-Ever Meatball Sub Sandwich
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The Ingredients You Will Need
Since the two of the most important components of this epic sandwich are typically made well in advance, the preparation of this sandwich is a snap. Here's what you'll need to have on hand:
Italian meatballs - If you want this sandwich to be epic, you need to go with homemade. Make them for classic spaghetti and meatballs, but save some for sandwiches!
Marinara - You should have plenty of homemade marinara leftover from when when you made the meatballs, but, if not, make a batch! In a pinch, good-quality purchased variety.
Mozzarella cheese - We like to get a log of fresh mozzarella and cut into into thin slices, however, pre-sliced mozzarella or bagged shredded will work just fine.
Bread - Soft submarine sandwiches are delicious, but, just keep in mind they are soft and will make for a bit of a messy sandwich (which is okay in our book!). Italian rolls are great, but, can sometimes be hard to find. You don't want to tough bread, for example, a baguette is not recommended.
Parmesan - Freshly grated from a block is best.
Fresh herbs - Thinly sliced parsley or basil is nice, for topping the meatballs.
EXPERT TIP: The meatballs can be made several days in advance. Keep covered in the fridge and then reheat in a skillet filled about halfway with marinara sauce. Simmer until completely warmed through.
Homemade Meatballs - This makes all the difference. Make the meatballs from scratch. They aren't difficult, but take a little time. And they are so worth it.
Don't Overdo It With the Cheese - As much as we love melty mozzarella, don't layer too much on it. Otherwise, it will overpower the meatballs and be too difficult to eat. ¼-inch slices are perfect.
Toasting Is the Way To Go - Open up the rolls, layer the cheese, and then toast until the edges of the bread are golden and the cheese is melted and slightly browned in places.
Serve Immediately - Any way you do it, this is a messy sandwich. Once assembled, serve at once. The sandwiches can become soggy if they sit for too long.
Other Classic Sandwiches to Try
We love all kinds of homemade sandwiches, and here are a collection of our favorites that we are certain you and your family and friends will love and devour, too:
Buffalo Ranch Sandwich
Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Fried Chicken Sandwich
Wagyu Pastrami Sandwich
Homemade Rueben
BLT with Basil Aioli
Italian-Style Panini
Big Mac® Copycat
Monte Cristo
Best-Ever Fried Fish Sandwich
New Orleans Muffuletta
Fried Catfish Po-Boy
Authentic Banh Mi
Philly Cheesesteak
These are all epic in their own way, without a doubt. But, in the meantime, isn't this incredible sammy screaming your name?
We don't think we've ever met anyone who didn't love a good meatball sub every now and then.
Pour some of the amazing fresh marinara sauce over the top, and it's just that...over the top.
Perfect for game day grub, party fare, or just a fun Sunday at home with the family.
The time has come folks to make this incredible Meatball Sub.
Go ahead and make a big ole batch of the marinara, then whip up the balls.
Then assemble the best-tasting sandwich you and your loved ones will ever encounter.
Ready to make the best sandwich in town? Go for it!
And when you do, be sure to take a photo of it, post it on Instagram, and tag @HowToFeedaLoon and hashtag #HowToFeedaLoon!
Homemade Meatball Sub Sandwich
Video
Ingredients
- 6 medium Italian meatballs click the link for the recipe
- 1 cup marinara sauce click the link for the recipe
- 2 loaves Italian bread ends cut off, opened up, or sub rolls
- 12 slices fresh mozzarella thinly sliced
- fresh Parmesan grated, for finishing
- 2 tbsp parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Do Ahead
- 6 medium Italian meatballs
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Assemble the Sandwiches
- Heat the meatballs in the marinara. Simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Place the opened loaves of bread on a baking sheet and cover both sides of the bread with the sliced cheese, slightly overlapping.2 loaves Italian bread, 12 slices fresh mozzarella
- Place the bread with cheese under the broiler for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and started to brown on the edges (watch closely, don't let burn!)
- Remove from broiler. Add ¼ to ½ cup of marinara on the bottom layer of each loaf of bread. Layer meatballs on top of the marina.
- Spoon a little more marinara over the meatballs.
- Top with shaved, or grated, fresh Parmesan and herbs. Serve at once!fresh Parmesan, 2 tbsp parsley
Notes
Nutrition
POST UPDATE: This was originally published in July 2018, but was updated with improved tweaks to the recipe with new tips and photography and a fabulous new video in February 2024!
Nani says
For some reason I am angst-ridden that the cheese is not on top lol! I'm going to get over it.. I know it's going to be delish any way we stack it...is there some reasoning there? To keep the bread from getting soggy maybe...
Kris Longwell says
Hi Nani! Well, we NEVER want to cause you to be angst-ridden!! LOL! We did place the cheese on the bottom to help the bread from getting soggy...but put it on the top if you prefer!!! It's about the best meatball sub you'll ever have!!! Let us know if you make the sandwich, how you handle the cheese, and what you think of it!! xoxo Kris & Wesley
Dawn says
got a lotta "marina" goin' on here 😉