Meatball Sub (Subway copycat!)

These meatball subs taste EXACTLY like what you’d get at Subway, but made at home! Homemade meatballs covered in marinara sauce and cheese, these will be your new favorite sandwich.

Nothing beats a good meatball sandwich.

Coming from a half Italian household, meatball subs were something we enjoyed very regularly. Besides pizza, they were the most requested meal.

When I first moved out of home, I was fortunate enough to have a Subway restaurant two blocks down. I can honestly say that for two years straight, I enjoyed a foot-long meatball sub at least three times a week.

However, to be healthier and to save money, I’ve started making copycat Subway meatball sandwiches.

Why you’ll love these meatball subs

• Healthier than Subway. The meatballs in Subway’s subs are loaded with fillers and artificial ingredients and don’t even get me started on their bread. 
• It’s easy to customize. Easily adjust the recipe to be diet friendly, or try one of the other meat options for the meatballs (including a vegetarian one!).
• Easy to make ahead. Just like any good meatballs out there, make a double batch and freeze the leftovers to enjoy later. 

What I love baout this meatball sub recipe is how much more delicious they were than what Subway have on hand- juicy and tender meatballs, a rich marinara sauce, melted cheese, all in a hoagie bun. Finish them off with a homemade Subway cookie and you’ll never leave the house again!

Ingredients needed

For the meatballs.

• Ground meat- A combination of ground beef and ground pork to achieve the perfect meatball.  
• Egg- Binds the meat together. 
• Onion- A must for any good meatball recipe. 
• Seasonings- Minced garlic, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
• Breadcrumbs- Prevents the meatballs from being watery.  

For the marinara sauce. 

• Olive oil
• Italian seasonings- A blend of ground herbs, including basil, oregano, and thyme.
• Onion and garlic
• Tomato sauce– Also known as passata or pasta sauce. Opt for a sauce with no added sugar in it. 
• Salt and pepper– to taste. 
• Water

To assemble 

• Rolls- Either hoagie rolls, hot dog rolls, or even half baguettes. 
• Sliced cheese- Sliced mozzarella, provolone, or American cheese. 
• Basil- Optional, but what good 

How to make meatball subs

Prepare and cook the meatballs: In a bowl, add all the ingredients of the meatballs and mix well. Make small balls with hands and press until firm. Cook the meatballs until no longer pink.

Make the sauce: Add the oil, onion and garlic to a pan and cook until fragrant. Add the remaining ingredients and water. Bring to a simmer, then add the meatballs back in and cook for several minutes.

Prepare the subs: slice the rolls in half then add meatballs, sauce, and slices of cheese. 

Bake the meatball subs: Place the filled rolls open faced on a baking dish and bake them until the meatballs are sizzling and the cheese has melted. 

Garnish and serve: Remove the rolls from the oven, sprinkle some basil on top and fold them over and serve. 

Dietary swaps and flavor variations

• Lower the carbs. Use keto bread crumbs in the meatballs and serve them in keto hot dog buns instead. 
• Make them vegetarian (or vegan). Use vegan meatballs and choose a dairy free cheese. 
• Ensure they are gluten free. Opt for a gluten free roll. 
• Switch up the meat. Use just ground beef OR ground pork, or another kind like ground chicken or ground turkey. If you use one of the latter two, opt for ones with a higher fat content so the meatballs aren’t dry. 
• Use different bread. Some other options include tortillas, buns, or rolls. 

Expert tips for success

• Avoid using crusty rolls or hoagie rolls, as they are naturally tender on the outside and can become quite crusty once baked in the oven. 
• You can keep the subs un-toasted. If you choose to enjoy it this way, ensure the meatballs are hot and you allow enough time for the cheese to melt on top before serving. 
• Instead of making your own marinara sauce, you can use a spaghetti sauce or pizza sauce instead.

Storing and freezing instructions

• To store: Both the meatballs and the marinara sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. 
• To freeze: Meatballs, both cooked and raw, can be frozen in air-tight containers for up to 6 months. 

What to serve with meatball sandwiches

• French fries
• Curly fries
• Coleslaw
• Potato salad
• Buffalo cauliflower

Frequently Asked Questions