Meatball Subs have been a favorite comfort food in my household, combining hearty flavors and satisfying textures. These easy-to-make sandwiches feature King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls, juicy meatballs, and a rich marinara sauce, all topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy lunches, this dish is guaranteed to please everyone at the table!
Why You’ll Love This Meatball Subs
This Meatball Subs recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:
- Quick and easy preparation, making it a perfect choice for busy evenings.
- Customizable with various toppings and sauces, allowing for unique flavor combinations.
- Utilizes frozen meatballs, cutting down on prep time significantly.
- Deliciously cheesy and satisfying, perfect for meatball hoagies or sandwiches.
- Adapts well for meal prep, providing easy lunches throughout the week.
- Great for family gatherings or casual get-togethers with friends.
With its classic Italian flavors, this recipe embodies the essence of comfort food, making it a go-to in any American kitchen.
Ingredients for Meatball Subs
Gather these items:
- 1 (12-count) pack King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
- 20–24 frozen meatballs (about 5–6 per sub)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 ½ cups fresh mozzarella cheese, grated
How to Make Meatball Subs Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a saucepan, heat 20–24 frozen meatballs with 2 cups marinara sauce over medium heat until warmed through and juicy (about 10 minutes).
- Step 3: Keep three rolls connected for each sub (makes 4 subs total). Slice and slightly hollow out centers.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp melted butter, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Brush inside and outside of each set of rolls.
- Step 5: Bake rolls on a baking sheet for 5 minutes to crisp slightly.
- Step 6: Fill each set of rolls with 5–6 meatballs and spoonfuls of marinara.
- Step 7: Top with about ⅓–½ cup grated mozzarella per sub.
- Step 8: Return to oven and bake another 5 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 9: Serve warm and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Meatball Subs
Keep these in mind:
- Adjust the number of meatballs based on your preference for heartiness.
- You can substitute the marinara sauce with your favorite pasta sauce for a personalized touch.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture and richer flavor.
- Make sure to toast the rolls properly for extra crunch.
Best Ways to Serve Meatball Subs
Consider these serving suggestions:
- Top with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Pair with a side salad or potato chips for a complete meal.
- Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping, enhancing the flavor experience.
How to Store and Reheat Meatball Subs
To store any leftovers, wrap the Meatball Subs tightly in plastic wrap or foil. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through. This method helps maintain the bread’s crispiness and the cheese’s gooeyness, making it feel like a freshly made sandwich again. This is also ideal for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions About Meatball Subs
What’s the secret to perfect Meatball Subs?
The key to perfect Meatball Subs lies in using high-quality ingredients and toasting the rolls just right. Ensure the meatballs are juicy and well-seasoned, and don’t hesitate to customize your toppings for the best flavor. You can explore variations like the spaghetti and meatball sub or cheesy meatball sub recipe for a delightful twist!
Can I make Meatball Subs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance, then assemble the subs right before serving. This is perfect for meal prep or gatherings, allowing you to enjoy a warm, satisfying sandwich quickly.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Meatball Subs?
One common mistake is overfilling the rolls, which can make them soggy. Stick to 5-6 meatballs per sub and ensure the rolls are properly toasted. This will create a delightful balance of crunch and softness!
Variations of Meatball Subs You Can Try
Here are a few tasty variations:
- Slow Cooker Meatball Subs: Prepare meatballs in a slow cooker for an easy, hands-off approach.
- Italian Meatball Sub Recipe: Use Italian sausage meatballs for a spicier flavor profile.
- Meatball Sub with Marinara Sauce: Experiment with different marinara sauces for unique tastes.
- Meatball Sub Variations: Add roasted peppers or sautéed mushrooms for added depth and texture.
Comforting Meatball Subs: 4 Irresistible Ways to Enjoy
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 subs 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These easy Meatball Subs are made with King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls, juicy frozen meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella. Baked until warm and cheesy, they’re the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights, cozy dinners, or laid-back lunches.
Ingredients
- 1 (12-count) pack King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
- 20–24 frozen meatballs (about 5–6 per sub)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 ½ cups fresh mozzarella cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a saucepan, heat 20–24 frozen meatballs with 2 cups marinara sauce over medium heat until warmed through and juicy (about 10 minutes).
- Keep three rolls connected for each sub (makes 4 subs total). Slice and slightly hollow out centers.
- In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp melted butter, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Brush inside and outside of each set of rolls.
- Bake rolls on a baking sheet for 5 minutes to crisp slightly.
- Fill each set of rolls with 5–6 meatballs and spoonfuls of marinara.
- Top with about ⅓–½ cup grated mozzarella per sub.
- Return to oven and bake another 5 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the number of meatballs based on your preference.
- You can substitute the marinara sauce with your favorite pasta sauce.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sub
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Meatball Subs, Comfort Food, Quick Dinner








