Home / Lunch / Classic Meatball Sub

Classic Meatball Sub

Tender meatballs simmered in marinara are piled into a toasted hoagie roll and topped with melted mozzarella for a hearty sandwich.

⏱ 15 minPrep time
🔥 30 minCook time
🍽 4Servings
🏷 LunchCategory
☆☆☆☆☆No ratings yet

The meatball sub is an Italian-American creation, evolving from Italian immigrant communities in the early 20th century who adapted their meatball and tomato sauce traditions to the American hoagie roll. It became a beloved staple of delis and pizzerias throughout the 20th century, especially popular in Northeastern cities.

Saucy meatballs and melted cheese on a toasted roll

Tender meatballs simmered in marinara are piled into a toasted hoagie roll and topped with melted mozzarella for a hearty sandwich.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Combine the beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  2. Roll into meatballs and brown in a skillet.
  3. Add the marinara sauce, cover, and simmer 20 minutes until cooked through.
  4. Preheat the broiler and split the hoagie rolls.
  5. Fill each roll with meatballs and sauce, then top with mozzarella.
  6. Broil 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Toasting the rolls lightly before filling helps them hold up to the saucy meatballs without falling apart. Watch closely under the broiler so the cheese melts without burning.

Rate this recipe

☆☆☆☆☆No ratings yet
Sign in to rate this recipe.

Recipe details

Prep15 min
Cook30 min
Servings4
CategoryLunch
PublishedAugust 12, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →