Looking for a comforting dinner that feels indulgent but stays easy enough for busy evenings? These Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs deliver everything you love about classic Italian-American comfort food: juicy meatballs, warm marinara, and melty mozzarella, all in a simple, doable recipe perfect for weeknights.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs
These meatball subs are the definition of simple comfort. You get tender, flavorful meatballs made with everyday staples, simmered gently in marinara and finished under the broiler for irresistible melted cheese. The recipe uses lean ground beef to keep things lighter, and you can easily swap in turkey or chicken. It’s also flexible: use frozen meatballs on exceptionally busy nights, or make them fresh when you have the time. With minimal prep, basic ingredients, and a classic, crowd-pleasing flavor, this dinner fits perfectly into any weeknight rotation.
Ingredients for Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb lean ground beef (95% lean recommended)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1–2 garlic cloves, minced (or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
For Cooking & Assembly
- Olive oil (for browning)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 8 hot dog buns or sub rolls
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Ingredient Notes (Substitutions & Healthy Swaps)
- Ground meat options: You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version. They stay tender when simmered in marinara.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko keeps the texture light, but regular breadcrumbs work too.
- Garlic options: Fresh garlic adds depth, but garlic powder is easier and milder.
- Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, but provolone or a mozzarella-provolone blend gives a richer flavor.
- Frozen meatballs: If you’re in a rush, frozen meatballs make this recipe truly hands-off — just simmer until heated through.
- Marinara: Any store-bought or homemade marinara works well. Choose a no-sugar-added version for a lighter option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic (or garlic powder), Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt. Mix gently using your hands or a fork until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as that can make the meatballs tough.
Step 2 – Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into approximately 24 small meatballs. Making them uniform ensures they cook evenly. Set them aside on a plate or baking sheet.
Step 3 – Brown the Meatballs
Heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer (working in batches if needed) and brown them on all sides. Browning adds flavor, so take your time turning them to get good color.
Step 4 – Simmer in Marinara
Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the centers reach an internal temperature of about 160°F. The gentle simmer helps them finish cooking while soaking up the sauce.
Step 5 – Prepare the Buns
Place your buns or rolls on a baking sheet. If you like them a little firmer, lightly toast them under the broiler before assembly.
Step 6 – Assemble the Subs
Place 3 meatballs into each bun, spooning extra marinara on top. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella.
Step 7 – Broil to Melt the Cheese
Place the assembled subs under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly. Watch closely — buns can burn quickly under high heat.
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Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs—Quick Comfort Dinner
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 subs
Description
Juicy meatballs simmered in marinara and finished with melted mozzarella — a fast, comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (95% lean)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1–2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1/4 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Olive oil (for browning)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 8 hot dog buns or sub rolls
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, panko, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt until just combined.
- Roll mixture into about 24 small meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown meatballs on all sides in batches.
- Reduce heat, add marinara, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until meatballs reach about 160°F.
- Place buns on a baking sheet and toast lightly under the broiler (optional).
- Assemble subs with 3 meatballs per bun, spoon sauce over, and top with mozzarella.
- Broil 2–3 minutes until cheese is bubbly, watching closely.
Notes
For extra flavor, toast buns with garlic butter or make the meatballs ahead for quicker weeknight meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop & Broiler
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t over-mix the meat: Gentle mixing keeps the meatballs tender.
- Use a cookie scoop: It helps form evenly sized meatballs quickly.
- Simmer low and slow: This prevents the meatballs from drying out.
- Broil carefully: A minute makes a big difference — keep an eye on the subs.
- Warm the buns first: Slightly toasted buns stay firmer under hot sauce.
- Add extra sauce on the side: Great for dipping and serving.
Flavor Variations
- Turkey Parmesan Subs: Use ground turkey and sprinkle with Parmesan before broiling.
- Spicy Arrabbiata Subs: Add extra red pepper flakes or use spicy marinara.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread Subs: Brush the buns with garlic butter before broiling.
- Veggie Boost: Add sautéed peppers and onions into the sandwiches for more texture and flavor.
- Mediterranean Twist: Use oregano-heavy seasoning, add olives, and finish with crumbled feta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatball subs with:
- A simple green salad
- Garlic roasted vegetables
- Sweet potato fries
- Caesar salad
- A small cup of extra marinara for dipping
They also pair wonderfully with sparkling water, lemonade, or iced tea for a refreshing balance.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftover meatballs and sauce (separate from buns) in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: The meatballs freeze exceptionally well. Freeze them with the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until hot. Assemble fresh subs when ready to serve.
- Buns: Freeze separately to maintain texture.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
(Approximate for one sub using lean beef and mozzarella)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~330 |
| Protein | ~24g |
| Carbohydrates | ~28g |
| Fat | ~14g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
| Sodium | ~650mg |
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FAQ About Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs
How do I keep my meatballs from falling apart?
Meatballs usually fall apart when the mixture is too dry or not properly bound. Using an egg and breadcrumbs helps hold them together. Mixing gently is important — over-working the meat makes it crumbly. Also, browning the meatballs before simmering helps them hold their structure while cooking in the sauce.
Can I use frozen meatballs instead of homemade?
Absolutely. Frozen meatballs are one of the best shortcuts for busy nights. Just place them in a skillet with marinara sauce, cover, and simmer until heated through — usually 20–25 minutes. The flavor remains delicious, and the subs come together with almost no prep time.
What type of buns work best for meatball subs?
Soft sub rolls or hot dog buns work perfectly because they hold the meatballs without falling apart. If you like a sturdier texture, lightly toast the buns under the broiler before filling them. Brioche buns also make a softer, richer option.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the meatballs a day ahead, either cooked or uncooked. Store uncooked meatballs in the refrigerator until ready to brown and simmer. Cooked meatballs reheat well in marinara, making them great for meal prep.
How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?
To keep buns from soaking up too much sauce, lightly toast them under the broiler before assembling the sandwiches. Also spoon sauce over the meatballs gently rather than loading it into the bottom of the bun. Serving extra marinara on the side helps too.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs are the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and classic flavor. Whether you make your meatballs from scratch or use frozen ones on a busy night, the result is a warm, satisfying dinner that feels special without requiring extra effort. Add them to your dinner rotation — they’re guaranteed to be a family favorite. For more inspiration, check out this Best Gingerbread Men Cookies: Warm Spice & Holiday Fun or explore more on Pinterest for your next meal idea!