If you’re a fan of classic comfort food, you’re in for a treat! This Monster Italian Meatball Sub is everything you could want in a sandwich—juicy, flavor-packed meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all nestled inside a toasted sub roll. It’s messy, indulgent, and absolutely worth every bite.
Whether you’re making these for a cozy family dinner, game day, or just to satisfy a serious craving, this recipe is a must-try! Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Monster Italian Meatball Sub
💥 Huge, juicy meatballs – These are not your average meatballs; they’re loaded with flavor and melt in your mouth.
🧀 Cheesy, melty goodness – Mozzarella and Parmesan come together for the ultimate cheesy experience.
🍅 Rich homemade marinara – A sauce that’s bursting with Italian flavors and perfectly coats every meatball.
🥖 Crispy, buttery toasted rolls – A must for holding in all that saucy, cheesy goodness!
🔥 Great for meal prep – Make a big batch of meatballs and enjoy throughout the week!
What Does This Sub Taste Like?
Imagine biting into a warm, toasted sub roll, slightly crispy on the outside yet soft inside. The first thing that hits your taste buds is the richness of the marinara, followed by the tender, garlicky meatballs infused with Italian herbs and spices. Then comes the melty mozzarella, stretching with every bite, adding that perfect creamy balance to the tangy sauce.
This isn’t just a sandwich—it’s an experience!
The Benefits of Making Your Own Meatball Sub
✔ Healthier than takeout – No hidden additives or preservatives!
✔ Customizable – Adjust the spice level, cheese, or even the bread to your liking.
✔ Satisfies a crowd – A fantastic option for parties, potlucks, or game-day feasts!
✔ Budget-friendly – Make a big batch for a fraction of what you’d spend at a deli.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- ¼ cup whole milk
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)
For Assembling the Subs:
- 4 large sub rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
✔ Large mixing bowl
✔ Baking sheet
✔ Skillet
✔ Saucepan
✔ Basting brush
✔ Cheese grater
How to Make the Ultimate Monster Italian Meatball Sub
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat!
- Add the milk and gently mix until the meatball mixture is moist but holds together.
- Roll into large meatballs (about 2 inches in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinara Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add the marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, and sugar.
- Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Toast the Rolls
- Preheat the oven to broil (high).
- Brush the sub rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.
- Toast for 1-2 minutes until golden brown—watch closely so they don’t burn!
Step 4: Assemble the Subs
- Place 3-4 meatballs into each toasted roll.
- Spoon warm marinara sauce generously over the meatballs.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Place the subs back under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley and dig in!
- Serve with extra marinara for dipping.
What to Serve with Your Meatball Sub
This sandwich is a meal on its own, but if you’re feeling extra hungry, try these sides:
🍟 Garlic Parmesan Fries – Crispy and seasoned to perfection!
🥗 Simple Italian Salad – A refreshing balance to the richness of the sub.
🥄 Minestrone Soup – A warm, cozy addition to your meal.
Tips for the Best Meatball Sub
✅ Use a mix of beef and pork – This creates the juiciest, most flavorful meatballs.
✅ Don’t skip the toasting! – A slightly crispy roll prevents sogginess.
✅ Make ahead – Prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance for a quick meal.
✅ Load up on cheese – The cheesier, the better!
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Refrigerator: Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs (without sauce) for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm meatballs in marinara on the stovetop, then assemble fresh sandwiches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Absolutely! Just heat them in marinara sauce before assembling your sub.
What’s the best bread for a meatball sub?
A crusty sub roll or hoagie bun works best to hold all the saucy goodness.
Can I make these in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook the meatballs in marinara on low for 4-5 hours for extra tenderness.
Final Thoughts – You Need to Try This!
This Monster Italian Meatball Sub is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a party, or just to treat yourself, it’s guaranteed to hit the spot.
📌 Love this recipe? Pin it on Pinterest & share your photos!
💬 Tried it? Leave a review below!
🔥 Hungry for more? Try these Italian favorites:
🍝 Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs
🧄 Garlic Butter Breadsticks
🥪 Italian Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
Now, go make the best meatball sub of your life! 🍽🔥