Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s both unfussy and downright delicious, let me introduce you to the Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub. This recipe brings together everything we crave on a busy night: juicy meatballs, rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and crusty rolls—coming together in just about 30 minutes. Every bite feels like a warm hug after a long day, yet it’s so simple that it might just become your new midweek lifesaver.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of key ingredients to make this Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub, and each one plays its own important part. These pantry and fridge staples add up to a sub that’s melty, saucy, savory, and utterly satisfying.

• Frozen meatballs: Nothing beats the convenience of pre-made meatballs. They’re perfectly seasoned and make this weeknight dinner possible in record time.
• Pasta sauce: Go for a jar you love—the sauce coats the meatballs, infuses the bread, and pulls all the flavors together.
• Torpedo rolls or sub rolls: Get sturdy rolls with a crisp crust and soft inside; they’ll hold all the saucy, cheesy goodness without falling apart.
• Italian Style Cheese Blend: The mix of mozzarella, provolone, and more melts over the top for that irresistible, bubbling finish.
• Chopped fresh basil: Brightens everything up with herby freshness; it’s the secret to a truly craveable sub.
• Italian seasoning: A dusting of extra herbs is the fastest way to elevate the flavors and make your kitchen smell incredible.

How to Make Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub

Step 1: Simmer Meatballs and Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine the frozen meatballs and your favorite jar of pasta sauce. Set the heat to medium and let them mingle for about 25 minutes. Stir occasionally so every meatball gets deeply coated and heated through. You’re looking for bubbling sauce and plump, juicy meatballs—take a moment to inhale the delicious aroma!

Step 2: Prep the Rolls

While the meatballs simmer, place a rack in the upper third of your oven and preheat the broiler on low. Cover a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil (hello, easy cleanup!) and arrange your rolls on it. If your rolls aren’t pre-sliced, carefully cut them lengthwise, but don’t slice all the way through—like a hinge, so they’ll easily cradle those meatballs.

Step 3: Assemble the Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub

Spoon a little bit of sauce into the bottom of each roll, letting it soak into the bread. Tuck five or six meatballs into each roll, then pour just enough sauce over the top to coat them. Sprinkle each sub with about 2 teaspoons of chopped basil and a hearty pinch of Italian seasoning for a burst of flavor.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Broil

Top each sandwich with a generous tablespoon or two of the Italian Style Cheese Blend. Slide the baking sheet under the broiler and watch closely—after about 3 minutes, the cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the rolls lovely and toasty at the edges. Nothing beats the anticipation of pulling these hot, cheesy subs from the oven!

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle the finished subs with any remaining fresh basil for a vivid pop of color and flavor. Let them cool just a couple of minutes (if you can resist!), then serve your Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub piping hot for maximum gooeyness.

How to Serve Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub

Garnishes

For a really vibrant finish, shower your subs with extra chopped fresh basil or a handful of finely chopped parsley. A sprinkling of grated Parmesan or a dash of crushed red pepper adds another layer of flavor and a little visual flair. If you like a little more bite, thinly sliced pickled banana peppers are fantastic.

Side Dishes

This Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub pairs beautifully with the simplest of sides: think a crisp green salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic, oven-roasted potato wedges, or classic kettle-cooked chips. If you’re feeling extra cozy, a bowl of tomato soup makes this the ultimate comfort combo.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your meal into a mini sub bar—set out toppings like sliced red onions, marinated peppers, or even extra cheese so everyone can customize their own Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub. For parties, cut the subs into small pieces and serve as hearty sliders. Or, pile the meatballs and fixings over garlic toast for a fun, open-faced twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra subs or just leftover components, separate the meatballs and sauce from the bread to avoid sogginess. Store meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Rolls can sit at room temperature, in a bag, for about a day.

Freezing

The meatballs and sauce freeze like a dream—just let them cool completely first, then tuck them into a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for another Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub night, simply defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat.

Reheating

To bring back all that fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat meatballs and sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat until bubbling. Stuff into fresh rolls, add cheese, and broil just until melty and toasty. Assembling fresh subs makes leftovers feel nearly as special as the first time.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you’ve got homemade meatballs on hand, use them in place of frozen. Precooked meatballs just need to be simmered in the sauce to warm through, keeping this recipe quick and easy.

What’s the best type of pasta sauce for this sub?

Go with your personal favorite, whether that’s a classic marinara, a garlicky tomato basil, or even a vodka sauce for a richer twist. The key is a sauce with good flavor since it soaks into both meatballs and bread.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! There are plenty of delicious vegetarian or plant-based meatballs available in stores. Just swap them in, keep all the other ingredients and steps the same, and you’ll have a meat-free Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub in no time.

How can I keep the rolls from getting soggy?

Try adding just a light layer of sauce to the bread before piling in the meatballs, and broil immediately after assembling. Using sturdy rolls, and eating the subs soon after broiling, ensures the best texture.

Is this recipe good for meal prepping?

It’s fantastic for meal prep! Prep the meatballs and sauce ahead, then store separately from the bread and cheese. When you’re ready, just assemble, broil, and serve—fresh, fast, and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a cheesy, saucy, hearty sandwich that looks—and tastes—like a whole lot more effort than it actually took. The Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub takes simple ingredients and kitchen shortcuts and transforms them into a meal everyone will remember. Give it a try and watch it become one of your go-to comfort dinners!

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