Sink your teeth into the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Baked Meatball Sub! Imagine plump, juicy beef meatballs simmered in lush marinara, cozied up in a toasted sub roll, and smothered in oozy melted mozzarella. It’s a weeknight hero, a crowd-pleaser at parties, and the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes and smile after every bite. If you crave big flavor, gooey cheese, and pure heartiness, this Cheesy Baked Meatball Sub is your next must-make delight.

Cheesy Baked Meatball Sub Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Cheesy Baked Meatball Sub really lies in its refreshingly simple ingredient lineup — each addition is designed to maximize flavor, texture, and downright crave-worthy color when it comes out of the oven. Here’s what you’ll need, with little tips so you can truly make it shine!

Ground Beef (1 lb): Opt for 80/20 for the best mix of juicy richness and tender meatballs.
Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup): These lock in moisture and keep the meatballs light instead of dense.
Egg (1): Acts as the binder, helping everything stick together as the meatballs bake.
Grated Parmesan (2 tbsp): Adds a nutty depth and boosts that savory, Italian flavor.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Fresh garlic amps up the aroma and tastes amazing in every bite.
Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): This blend brings a burst of herbaceous comfort to the mix.
Salt and Pepper: Both are crucial for rounding out flavors — season to your taste!
Crusty Sub Rolls (4): Pick rolls that are sturdy enough to hold all those saucy, cheesy vibes.
Marinara Sauce (2 cups): Go homemade or grab your favorite jarred brand for ease and consistency.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 1/2 cups): For that irresistible stringy, gooey cheese blanket.
Fresh Basil or Parsley (Optional): Just a sprinkle brightens things right before serving.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Meatball Sub

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

Start by combining your ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a big bowl. Use your hands to gently mix everything just until it’s combined — overworking can make meatballs tough. Once the mixture looks even, roll it into 1.5-inch balls. This size is perfect for loading into your sub rolls, ensuring each bite packs plenty of flavor and juiciness.

Step 2: Bake the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup. Place the meatballs on the sheet, spacing them out so the heat circulates. Bake for 15–20 minutes until they’re deeply browned and cooked through, giving you that satisfying outer bite with a tender center.

Step 3: Simmer in Marinara Sauce

While the meatballs bake, warm your marinara sauce in a large skillet. When the meatballs are done, gently nestle them into the sauce and simmer together for 5–10 minutes. This step lets all those lovely Italian flavors meld and ensures every meatball is juicy and coated in rich, tomatoey goodness.

Step 4: Assemble the Cheesy Baked Meatball Sub

Slice each sub roll open, being careful not to cut all the way through so they cradle the filling. Add 3–4 meatballs to each roll, spoon some extra marinara over the top, and then shower generously with shredded mozzarella. The cheese not only adds creaminess but helps hold everything together once baked.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Arrange your loaded subs on a baking tray and pop them back in the oven for 5–7 minutes. Watch for the cheese to get deliciously bubbly with a sprinkle of golden edges. That visual (and the aroma!) signals your Cheesy Baked Meatball Sub is ready to wow.

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Meatball Sub

Garnishes

Bring some freshness to the party! A shower of chopped basil or parsley just before serving lifts the whole sandwich and adds a pop of color. You can also finish with a dusting of extra Parmesan or a crack of black pepper for a finishing touch.

Side Dishes

The rich Cheesy Baked Meatball Sub pairs beautifully with classics like crisp Caesar salad, tangy coleslaw, or simple roasted veggies for balance. If you’re in an extra-indulgent mood, pair with garlic fries or kettle chips for a real treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Lean into fun by cutting subs into smaller pieces for a party platter. Or, serve “deconstructed” with toasted roll halves topped with meatballs and cheese for a knife-and-fork approach. You can even tuck mini meatballs into slider buns for a bite-sized version everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Cheesy Baked Meatball Subs tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping components as separate as possible (store rolls separately from saucy meatballs and cheese) to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked meatballs (without sauce or rolls) for up to two months. Let them cool, then store in freezer bags — perfect for assembling future Cheesy Baked Meatball Subs on a whim! Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftover meatballs and sauce in a skillet or microwave until heated through. For the best texture, reassemble the sub and rebake at 350°F for about 10 minutes, letting the cheese become melty again and the roll regain its warmth and crispness.

FAQs

Can I use a different meat for the meatballs?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, pork, or a blend makes fantastic meatballs if you want a twist on the classic Cheesy Baked Meatball Sub. Just be mindful of fat content, as leaner meats can be a little less juicy.

How do I keep the sub from getting soggy?

Toast the inside of your sub roll lightly before filling, and don’t overdo the sauce. You want enough for flavor but not so much that it soaks through — a quick bake at the end helps, too!

Can I prepare parts of this meal ahead of time?

Definitely! Make the meatballs and sauce up to two days in advance, then just assemble, add cheese, and bake for a fuss-free meal. This makes the Cheesy Baked Meatball Sub ideal for busy nights or impressing guests.

Which cheese works best besides mozzarella?

While mozzarella gives you that classic melt, provolone, fontina, or even a sprinkle of sharp cheddar can add bold new flavor dimensions to your Cheesy Baked Meatball Sub.

Can I make this Cheesy Baked Meatball Sub vegetarian?

Yes! Use your favorite store-bought or homemade vegetarian meatballs and plant-based cheese. The assembly and baking steps remain the same, so everyone can enjoy this hearty treat.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a comfort food classic that makes everyone at the table pause and smile, you have to try this Cheesy Baked Meatball Sub. It’s so simple, so deeply satisfying, and just bursting with homemade charm. Give it a whirl — one bite, and it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, too!

Cheesy Baked Meatball Sub Recipe