Description
Cheesy Garlic Bread Meatball Subs are the ultimate comfort food—tender, juicy meatballs coated in marinara sauce, nestled inside buttery, toasted garlic bread rolls, and smothered with gooey, melted cheese. The best part? No soggy buns! Toasting the bread keeps the rolls perfectly crisp while holding in all that cheesy, saucy goodness. This is the perfect dish for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or when you just want something indulgent and satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup Italian bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Sauce and Subs:
- 2 cups marinara or pasta sauce
- 4 sub rolls
- Salted butter (for toasting)
- 1½ cups finely shredded mozzarella
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)
Instructions
- Mix and Roll the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until just combined (avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender).
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
- Brown the Meatballs:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add a drizzle of oil if needed and brown the meatballs on all sides for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Drain any excess grease.
- Simmer the Meatballs in Marinara Sauce:
- Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the browned meatballs.
- Stir gently to coat the meatballs in the sauce, then reduce heat to medium-low.
- Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Toast the Garlic Bread Rolls:
- Preheat the oven to broil.
- Split the sub rolls lengthwise, spreading butter on the inside of each roll.
- Place the buttered rolls on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy (watch carefully to avoid burning).
- Assemble the Meatball Subs:
- Spread half of the shredded mozzarella over the bottom of each toasted roll.
- Place 5 meatballs into each roll, spooning extra marinara sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the meatballs.
- Melt the Cheese:
- Return the assembled subs to the oven and broil for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove the subs from the oven and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley or basil (optional).
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t Skip the Toasting: Toasting the sub rolls is key to avoiding soggy buns, giving you that buttery crunch you crave.
- Quality Marinara: Use your favorite marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought) to enhance the flavor of the subs.
- Cheese Customization: While mozzarella is classic, feel free to use provolone, cheddar, or a cheese blend for extra flavor.
- Meatball Size: Make sure the meatballs are even in size to ensure uniform cooking.
- Spicy Option: Add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or sauce for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Broiling
- Cuisine: American