Name: Easy Meatball Subs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 10-20 frozen meatballs ((more or less)); 32 oz jar of regular or spicy tomato sauce ((Arrabbiata sauce was used)); 5-6 fresh sub or Hoagie rolls ((more or less)); 8-10 oz of shredded mozzarella cheese ((more or less)); ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese ((more or less)); torn fresh basil ((optional)); sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra spice ((optional))

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Remember when grabbing a meatball sub from the local pizza place felt like the ultimate comfort food? Good news—you don’t need takeout to make one anymore.

These Easy Meatball Subs are cheesy, saucy, and ridiculously simple. Frozen meatballs, your favorite jarred marinara, fresh hoagie rolls, and plenty of melty mozzarella come together in about 30 minutes for a dinner that tastes like it came from your neighborhood Italian deli.

This is one of those weeknight meals that delivers big flavor without a long ingredient list or hours in the kitchen. Toasting the rolls first keeps them from getting soggy, while a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil takes these sandwiches from “good enough” to “everyone’s asking for seconds.”

Whether you’re feeding hungry teenagers, watching the game, or just craving a cozy comfort food dinner, these meatball subs are always a win. Pair them with chips, fries, a simple Caesar salad, or even a bowl of soup for an easy meal everyone will devour.

Savory meatball subs with melted cheese, fresh basil, and tomato sauce on toasted baguette slices, showcasing delicious comfort food perfect for lunch or dinner.

Serves: 5-6
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes

Ingredients:

10-20 frozen meatballs (more or less)
32 oz jar of regular or spicy tomato sauce (Arrabbiata sauce was used)
5-6 fresh sub or Hoagie rolls (more or less)
8-10 oz of shredded mozzarella cheese (more or less)
¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese (more or less)
torn fresh basil (optional)
sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra spice (optional)

Jar of tomato sauce, box of frozen turkey meatballs, tow sub rolls, shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, and basil leaves on brown parchment paper.

Get the full printable instructions with measurements at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

Step-by-Step Directions:

Step 1: Add the sauce and frozen meatballs to a pot. Heat over medium-high until simmering, then reduce to medium-low. Cook for 10–20 minutes, or as directed on the package.

Step 2: While the meatballs heat, preheat the oven to 400ºF.

Step 3: Slice the sub or hoagie rolls in half and place them, slightly open, on a baking sheet. Toast 3–5 minutes, until the insides are lightly crisp.

Three toasted sub rolls on brown parchment paper with a pot of heated turkey meatballs and sauce above them.

Step 4: Spoon the hot meatballs and sauce into the toasted rolls. Top with shredded mozzarella and bake another 3–5 minutes, until the cheese melts.

Spooning meatballs and sauce onto toasted sub rolls on parchment paper.

Adding shredded mozzarella cheese to the meatball sub rolls on parchment paper.

Step 5: Top the meatball subs with grated Parmesan, torn basil, and red pepper flakes, if desired.

🍋 Simply Made Tips…

Frozen meatballs make this recipe quick and easy, but feel free to use homemade if you have them on hand.
Beef, turkey, chicken, pork, or plant-based meatballs all work well—choose your favorite.
Toast the hoagie rolls for a few minutes before assembling to help them stay crisp.
Warm the meatballs in the marinara long enough for them to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Add a sprinkle of Parmesan, fresh basil, or crushed red pepper flakes before serving for extra flavor.

👉 Before You Go…

If you’re looking for more easy weeknight dinners, don’t miss our Steak Fajitas for bold Tex-Mex flavor or our fresh Caprese Salad, the perfect light side dish to serve with just about any meal. They’re both simple, delicious, and guaranteed to earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation.

Easy Meatball Subs

This hearty yet simple meal comes together with just bread, meat, sauce, and plenty of gooey cheese.

Tara

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 30

Total Time 35

Servings

Ingredients

10-20 frozen meatballs (more or less)
32 oz jar of regular or spicy tomato sauce (Arrabbiata sauce was used)
5-6 fresh sub or Hoagie rolls (more or less)
8-10 oz of shredded mozzarella cheese (more or less)
¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese (more or less)
torn fresh basil (optional)
sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra spice (optional)

Instructions

Add the sauce and frozen meatballs to a pot. Heat over medium-high until simmering, then reduce to medium-low. Cook for 10–20 minutes, or as directed on the package.
While the meatballs heat, preheat the oven to 400ºF.
Slice the sub or hoagie rolls in half and place them, slightly open, on a baking sheet. Toast 3–5 minutes, until the insides are lightly crisp.
Spoon the hot meatballs and sauce into the toasted rolls. Top with shredded mozzarella and bake another 3–5 minutes, until the cheese melts.
Top the meatball subs with grated Parmesan, torn basil, and red pepper flakes, if desired.