WHAT’S FOR DINNER?
Oven Baked Meatball Subs
Array/5
COOK TIME
10 min
TOTAL TIME
15 min
SERVINGS
6 sandwiches
There’s nothing better than a warm, cheesy, saucy Meatball Sub, especially when it comes together in just 15 minutes! These Oven Baked Meatball Sub Sandwiches feature hoagie rolls stuffed with tender meatballs and topped with marinara and melty mozzarella cheese. Great for a quick and easy lunch or dinner!
Dinner on the table in 15 minutes? Yes, please! When you have busy days like we do, you keep recipes like these easy meatball subs made in the oven right in your back pocket. Not only do they only use six ingredients, but assembling them and getting them into the oven takes no time at all!
Why Make Baked Meatball Subs?
6 Ingredients: With just hoagie rolls, marinara sauce, meatballs, mozzarella, and parmesan, this recipe keeps it simple. Everything comes together with easy-to-find ingredients!
Use Fresh or Frozen Meatballs: Whether you have homemade meatballs on hand or a bag of frozen ones in the freezer, this recipe works with whatever you’ve got. Just thaw frozen meatballs beforehand or use refrigerated ones for an even quicker meal.
Quick Cook Time: From start to finish, these subs are ready in just 15 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute dinners, or when you need something delicious quickly.
Hearty and Satisfying: Each bite is packed with warm, saucy meatballs, gooey cheese, and crispy toasted bread, making it a filling meal that hits the spot. Serve it with a simple side, and you’ve got a complete dinner.
Minimal Prep: No chopping, marinating, or complicated steps. Just assemble, bake, and enjoy.
Great for a Crowd: Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a game day, these baked meatball subs are easy to make in bulk. Just line them up in a baking dish, bake, and serve!
Customizable: Want extra cheese? More sauce? A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat? You can tweak the toppings and flavors to make them exactly how you like.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Hoagie Rolls – These rolls get perfectly toasty in the oven while staying soft enough to soak up all that delicious marinara. Go for sturdy rolls that can hold up to the sauce and meatballs without getting too soggy.
Meatballs – Whether you’re using frozen, refrigerated, or homemade, these bring the hearty, savory protein that makes this sandwich so satisfying. If using frozen, just give them a quick thaw so they heat evenly in the oven.
Marinara Sauce – The rich, tangy tomato sauce ties everything together, adding moisture and bold flavor. Use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade sauce.
Shredded Parmesan – Gives the subs a nutty, salty depth of flavor that melts right into the marinara.
Shredded Mozzarella – Use whole milk mozzarella for the best melt and that perfect cheese pull.
Dried Oregano – Adds a touch of earthy, Italian-inspired flavor. Italian seasoning works great here too!
Step By Step Instructions
Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly spray a large baking dish with nonstick spray. Set aside. Place the hoagie rolls inside the baking dish, keeping them open and upright. If they start to tip over, gently press them into the dish to help them stay in place.
Add the first layer of marinara and cheese: Spoon a layer of marinara sauce inside each hoagie roll, spreading it evenly along the bottom. Sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
Prepare the meatballs: If using frozen meatballs, thaw them beforehand. Let them defrost in the fridge overnight, or use the microwave’s defrost setting. If using refrigerated meatballs, they’re ready to go as is.
Assemble the sandwiches: Place the meatballs inside each hoagie roll, arranging them in a single layer. Depending on the size of your rolls and meatballs, you’ll typically fit 3-4 meatballs per sandwich.
Add more toppings: Spoon additional marinara sauce over the top of the meatballs. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs, making sure to cover them. Finish with a sprinkle of dried oregano.
Bake until melty and golden: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The edges of the hoagie rolls should be slightly toasted. Carefully remove subs from the oven and let them cool for a minute before serving.
Expert Tips
Use a good quality hoagie roll. Soft rolls can get too soggy once the marinara and meatballs are added. A bakery-style hoagie or sub roll with a firmer crust will hold up better.
Warm up the meatballs if short on time. While the oven will heat everything through, starting with room-temperature or slightly warm meatballs cuts down on bake time and keeps the cheese from overcooking.
Shred your own mozzarella. Pre-shredded cheese has added starches to prevent clumping, which can stop it from melting smoothly. Freshly shredded mozzarella melts into that perfect gooey layer on top.
Don’t overstuff the rolls. Packing in too many meatballs makes them harder to eat and can cause the bread to split open. Leave enough room for the sauce and cheese to do their thing.
Bake uncovered for the best texture. Covering the subs traps too much steam, making the rolls soft instead of slightly crisp. Leaving them uncovered allows the cheese to bubble up and the edges to toast.
Let them rest for a minute before serving. Fresh out of the oven, the cheese is lava-hot and can slide right off. Giving them a minute to cool slightly helps everything set so each bite stays stacked.
Ways To Customize
Swap the meatballs for chicken or turkey meatballs. Lighten things up by using lean chicken or turkey meatballs instead of beef.
Use garlic butter on the rolls. Spread a thin layer of garlic butter inside each hoagie roll before assembling for an extra rich, savory flavor.
Make it spicy with hot sauce or crushed red pepper. Mix hot sauce into the marinara or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the meatballs before baking.
Add provolone or cheddar. Layer a slice of provolone or cheddar under the meatballs for a melty, slightly sharp contrast to the mozzarella.
Add pesto. A spoonful of pesto over the meatballs before adding cheese gives a bright, herby flavor.
BBQ meatball subs. Swap the marinara for a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce, and use cheddar cheese for a barbecue meatball sub.
What To Serve With Meatball Subs
Storing & Reheating
Storing: These are best served immediately. However, any leftover meatball subs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If possible, keep the meatballs and sauce separate from the bread to prevent sogginess and assemble fresh when ready to eat. Freezing is not recommended as the bread will change texture when thawed.
Reheating: For the best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until the bread is crisp and the cheese is melty. A toaster oven or air fryer works well for single servings.
FAQ
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of store-bought?
Yes. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before assembling the subs since they won’t have enough time to cook through in the oven.
How do I keep the hoagie rolls from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, toast the hoagie rolls for a few minutes before assembling, or spread a thin layer of butter or mayonnaise inside the rolls to create a barrier against the sauce.
What’s the best way to thaw frozen meatballs?
The quickest way to thaw frozen meatballs is by using the microwave’s defrost setting for 1-2 minutes. If you have more time, place them in the fridge overnight for even thawing.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the subs in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just bake them in the oven as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes if needed.
How do I keep the meatballs from rolling out of the sandwich?
Using slightly flattened meatballs or slicing them in half before assembling helps keep them in place. Packing them snugly into the hoagie roll also prevents shifting while baking.
Can I make these meatball subs in an air fryer?
Yes! Assemble the subs and place them in the air fryer basket at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is slightly crispy.
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Oven Baked Meatball Subs
Simple and quick Oven Baked Meatball Sub Sandwiches with pre-made meatballs, hoagie rolls, marinara, and lots of melty cheese.
Ingredients
6 hoagie rolls
1 package meatballs, frozen or refrigerated
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 Tablespoon dry oregano
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a baking dish with nonstick spray. Line the baking dish with the hoagie buns. Opening to the top.
- Drizzle a spoonful of marinara sauce on the inside of each hoagie bun. Then sprinkle shredded parmesan over the sauce.
- Place the meatballs inside of the hoagie bun on top of the sauce. *If using frozen, just thaw before placing in the sandwich
4. Spoon more marinara sauce over the meatballs to cover.
5. Sprinkle with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Then sprinkle oregano over the top of all the sandwiches.
6. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and melty.
Notes
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