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+ servings
Meatball Subs with candied jalapenos.
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5 from 47 votes

Meatball Subs

The best ever Meatball Subs recipe made with grilled meatballs, a quick marinara sauce and melty cheese on a toasted bun for a meal the whole family will love. 
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Sandwiches
Cuisine: American
Keyword: ground beef meatball sandiwches, Italian meatball sandwich, meatball sandwiches
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 691kcal
Author: Milisa

Ingredients

for the meatballs

for the marinara sauce

  • 15 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup basil pesto

for the sandwiches

  • 3 long Italian rolls or 6 hoagie buns
  • 6 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese or provolone slices
  • fresh parsley for garnish optional
  • 2 tablespoons candied jalapeños for garnish optional

Instructions

  • Prepare a grill fire to 350° using hickory for smoke flavor.
  • Tear bread into small pieces and place in a bowl. Pour milk over the top and mix together until well combined. In a large bowl, add ground beef, eggs, diced onion, dry rub along with milk and bread mixture. Mix well. 
  • Make the Sauce: Mix tomato sauce with sugar, salt and pesto in a saucepan. Cook over low-heat, stirring often just until heated through.
  • Use a medium-size scoop to form into meatballs. 
  • Place on a grill pan. 
  • Grill over indirect fire with the grill closed for 15 - 20 minutes or until internal temperature of meatballs reach 165° using a digital meat thermometer. Alternately, meatballs can be baked in the oven @ 375° for 15- 20 minutes. 
  • Remove meatballs from the grill. 
  • Add meatballs to the sauce, mixing to combine.
  • Slice hoagie rolls and place on a baking sheet. Spoon meatballs into rolls with sauce. Add thin slices of mozzarella cheese or provolone cheese down each side of the meatballs. 
  • Toast under the broiler until cheese is melted and bubbly. 
  • Remove from oven. 
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and candied jalapeños if desired

Notes

  • Marinara Sauce: Use homemade marinara sauce or substitute your favorite spaghetti sauce for the tomato sauce and pesto for the sauce. 
  • Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan, add 1/4 cup butter and 2 sliced garlic cloves. Cook over medium heat for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and brush over sub buns before adding meatballs. 
  • Additional Garnishes: Grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil or red pepper flakes are great additions to Italian Meatball Subs.
  • Meatballs: Use ground turkey meatballs or frozen meatballs if preferred.
  • Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 691kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 159mg | Sodium: 1540mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 10g