Simple Dinner:Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub Recipe
This Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub recipe is perfect for a simple and satisfying dinner. Featuring homemade or frozen meatballs simmered in marinara sauce, nestled in hot dog buns, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese, it’s a classic comfort food that’s quick to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
- Author: Grace
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Sandwiches
- Method: Pan-frying and broiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef (95% lean)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1–2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Other Ingredients
- 24 meatballs (homemade or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 8 hot dog buns
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt. Mix thoroughly and form into 24 evenly sized meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the meatballs and brown them by turning every minute until evenly seared on all sides.
- Simmer in Sauce: Reduce heat to low, slowly pour in marinara sauce, cover skillet, and let cook for 15 minutes or until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- If Using Frozen Meatballs: Heat marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium heat until simmering, add frozen meatballs, cover, and cook on medium-low heat for about 25 minutes until heated through.
- Prepare the Buns: Position an oven rack 6 inches below the broiler and preheat the broiler. Place hot dog buns on a baking sheet and prepare for assembling.
- Assemble the Subs: Place 3 meatballs inside each bun, spoon marinara sauce over them, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Broil the Subs: Place the baking sheet under the broiler and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese melts and bubbles. Watch carefully to prevent buns from burning.
Notes
- You can make the meatballs in advance and freeze them for quick meals later.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- For a healthier option, use whole wheat buns or low-fat cheese.
- If you prefer, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
- Be sure to monitor under the broiler closely as cheese can burn quickly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sub
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: meatball sub, easy meatball recipe, weeknight dinner, Italian sandwich, homemade meatballs, meatball sub sandwich