These meatball subs make dinner simple and tasty. Make them with fresh meatballs or grab some from the store - either way, you'll end up with a meal everyone loves. They're quick to put together and hit the spot every time.
Why Make These Subs
When you want something warm and filling that's still light, these subs fit the bill. Each one is only 330 calories, so you can enjoy them without worry. Add some chips or salad on the side, and dinner's done. Use store-bought meatballs to save time, or make your own - both taste great.
What You Need
- Ground Beef: Get the lean kind for best results. Turkey works too
- Breadcrumbs: Regular or panko both work fine
- Egg: One large egg
- Garlic: Fresh chopped, or garlic powder works
- Italian Seasoning: One mix does it all
- Red Pepper Flakes: Skip these if you don't like heat
- Salt: Regular table salt is fine
- Meatballs: Make 24 or buy frozen ones
- Oil: For cooking the meatballs
- Pasta Sauce: Your favorite jar works great
- Hot Dog Buns: Fresh ones hold up best
- Mozzarella: Get the shredded kind
Making Your Subs
- Mix Meatballs:
- Put beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, seasonings, and salt in a bowl. Mix well and roll into 24 meatballs
- Cook Meatballs:
- Heat oil in a pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides
- Add Sauce:
- Pour sauce over meatballs. Cover and cook 15 minutes until done
- Using Frozen Meatballs:
- Heat sauce in pan, add frozen meatballs, cover and cook 25 minutes
- Get Buns Ready:
- Turn on broiler. Put buns on a baking sheet
- Fill Buns:
- Put 3 meatballs in each bun. Add extra sauce and cheese on top
- Melt Cheese:
- Put under broiler 2-3 minutes until cheese melts. Watch carefully so they don't burn
What Makes These Subs Great
These subs hit the spot after a long day. Each one is only 330 calories, so you can enjoy them without guilt. Whether you make the meatballs or buy them frozen, they always come out tasty. The whole family will ask for seconds.
Simple But Good
You don't need fancy ingredients to make these subs taste amazing. Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings for perfect meatballs. Add some garlic and a little spice if you like. The cheese melts on top just right, and the sauce brings it all together. Try different cheese like provolone to switch things up.
Putting It All Together
Making these subs is easy. Brown the meatballs first, then let them simmer in sauce to soak up the flavor. Put them in buns, cover with cheese, and melt it until bubbly. That's all it takes to make a sandwich everyone will love.
What to Serve With It
These subs go great with simple sides. Try a green salad for something light, or potato chips for crunch. Potato salad works too. Want something different? Pasta salad or fresh fruit makes the meal complete without much extra work.
Saving for Later
Got leftovers? Put the meatballs and sauce in a container and keep them in the fridge for 3-4 days. When you want another sub, warm up the meatballs, put them in a fresh bun, add cheese, and melt it quickly. They'll taste just as good as the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, frozen meatballs work perfectly and save time! Simply simmer them in your sauce until heated through. They’re a fantastic shortcut for busy days without compromising on flavor.
- What goes good with these?
A classic Caesar salad is an ideal side for a light, crisp pairing. If you're looking for something heartier, add garlic bread or toasted baguettes for a satisfying, complete meal.
- Need more spice?
For more heat, mix extra red pepper flakes into the meatball mixture before cooking. You can also top the finished dish with a drizzle of spicy marinara or sriracha for added kick.
- Other cheese options?
Provolone melts beautifully, creating a creamy topping, while Parmesan delivers a sharp, nutty flavor. You can also try mozzarella for a milder taste or a mix for variety.
- Can I make ahead?
Definitely! Prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat in sauce and add cheese just before serving to keep them fresh and delicious.
Some More Ideas
Love these flavors? Try meatball soup next time - same good ingredients in a warm bowl. Or make baked meatball parm when you want something fancier. Even grilled meatball skewers use these tasty spices!