Name: Mini Meatball Subs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; ¼ cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1½ cups marinara sauce; 8 mini sub rolls or slider buns; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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If you love comforting, handheld food with all the saucy, cheesy goodness of a classic sub, then these Mini Meatball Subs are about to become your new obsession! Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or game-day feasts, each bite is packed with tender homemade meatballs, tangy marinara, and gooey, melted mozzarella nestled in soft mini rolls. They’re easy enough to whip up on busy evenings, yet impressive enough to earn you rave reviews, making them one of the most crowd-pleasing recipes you’ll ever add to your lineup.

Mini Meatball Subs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Mini Meatball Subs is how they transform a handful of familiar ingredients into something extraordinary. Each component plays a critical role, bringing either big flavor, great texture, or irresistible color and aroma to every bite.

Ground beef (1 pound): Rich, juicy, and packed with flavor, beef forms the hearty base for these mini meatballs.
Breadcrumbs (¼ cup): Essential for keeping the meatballs moist and tender by absorbing and retaining juices.
Egg (1): The ultimate binder, ensuring your meatballs hold together without falling apart.
Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons): Adds a salty, nutty punch and a touch of savory depth.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Infuses each meatball with that irresistible aroma we all crave.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): For a burst of classic herbs that make these subs taste authentically Italian-American.
Salt (½ teaspoon): A little goes a long way in enhancing all those mouthwatering flavors.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and complexity.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Perfect for browning the meatballs, it imparts subtle richness and a golden finish.
Marinara sauce (1½ cups): Tangy, robust, and simmered with the meatballs, this is your saucy secret weapon.
Mini sub rolls or slider buns (8): These small rolls become the soft yet sturdy vessels for all that filling.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully for a creamy, stringy crown atop every sub.
Fresh basil for garnish (optional): A sprinkle of basil adds color and a touch of fresh flavor that takes these sandwiches over the top.

How to Make Mini Meatball Subs

Step 1: Mix and Form the Meatballs

In a large bowl, gently combine your ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until everything is incorporated—overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Once blended, scoop out small portions (about an inch in diameter) and roll them between your palms to create perfectly tender mini meatballs that fit neatly into your mini subs.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches if needed, add the meatballs to the pan, giving them enough space to brown all over. Let them cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning gently so you get an appealing, golden-brown crust on each side—this rich exterior adds so much flavor to your Mini Meatball Subs.

Step 3: Simmer in Marinara Sauce

Once all the meatballs are browned, pour in your favorite marinara sauce, stirring gently to coat every meatball with that bright, tangy tomato goodness. Lower the heat and let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes. This helps the meatballs soak up the saucy flavors and ensures they’re cooked through and juicy.

Step 4: Assemble the Subs

While your meatballs are simmering away, preheat the oven to 375°F. Line up your mini sub rolls on a baking sheet and slice them open. Spoon 2 or 3 meatballs, dripping with sauce, into each roll. Top generously with shredded mozzarella so that every bite pulls away in glorious, cheesy strings.

Step 5: Bake to Melt the Cheese

Slide your assembled Mini Meatball Subs into the oven. Bake for about 5 to 7 minutes, just until the mozzarella is melted, bubbling, and tempting you with that beautiful golden color. The bread gets ever-so-slightly crisp on the outside while staying soft enough to hold all that filling.

Step 6: Add Fresh Garnish and Serve

Once the subs are out of the oven, scatter finely sliced fresh basil over the top if you like. This tiny touch adds a lovely pop of green and a whiff of herbal freshness—plus, it just looks gorgeous! Serve the Mini Meatball Subs warm and watch them disappear.

How to Serve Mini Meatball Subs

Garnishes

A little flourish goes a long way here! Besides fresh basil, you can sprinkle on a bit of extra Parmesan cheese or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Even a quick drizzle of good olive oil or a few shavings of Pecorino Romano can add that special touch. The key is to keep it light, letting the flavors of your Mini Meatball Subs shine.

Side Dishes

Keep things simple with a crisp green salad tossed in your favorite vinaigrette, or offer up classic sides like baked fries or sweet potato wedges for heartier appetites. If you’re looking to channel a full Italian-American feast, garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a tangy coleslaw are fantastic choices to complement the rich, savory subs.

Creative Ways to Present

Mini Meatball Subs are made for fun, so get playful with your presentation! Arrange them in a basket for a casual family meal or skewer them with a cocktail pick for easy serving at a party buffet. For game nights, set up a “sub bar” with bowls of extra toppings so everyone can customize their own. These little sandwiches are perfect for parties, picnics, or anytime you want food that delights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mini Meatball Subs keep well in the fridge for up to three days. Wrap each sub tightly in foil or store meatballs and rolls separately in airtight containers. The flavors meld together overnight, making leftovers taste even better the next day!

Freezing

For easy meal prep, freeze cooked meatballs (sauce and all) in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to use. While the sub rolls are best fresh, you can freeze them too, just double-wrap to avoid freezer burn.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the subs (foil-wrapped) in a 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melted. If you’re reheating just the meatballs, a quick simmer on the stovetop in extra marinara sauce works wonders. Avoid microwaving, as the bread can get soggy!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken make fantastic, lighter alternatives for Mini Meatball Subs. Just keep an eye out for doneness, as they cook a bit faster and can be slightly leaner than beef.

What’s the best marinara sauce to use?

Homemade or store-bought, go for a marinara with bold, fresh tomato flavor and a hint of sweetness. Some love classic basil and garlic-forward sauces, while others like spicier versions with a kick—choose your favorite, or try a new one each time you make Mini Meatball Subs.

Can I make these subs gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free variety and use gluten-free mini rolls. As always, double-check ingredient labels if you’re cooking for someone with celiac or gluten sensitivity.

Are there shortcuts if I’m short on time?

When you’re in a rush, store-bought frozen meatballs are a terrific solution. Just heat them in marinara sauce and continue as directed. It won’t be quite as magical as homemade, but you’ll still have delicious Mini Meatball Subs in minutes.

Can I make Mini Meatball Subs ahead for a party?

Definitely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce a day ahead, refrigerate, and simply assemble and bake the subs right before serving. This makes them ideal for parties, potlucks, or busy weeknights when you want minimal fuss.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a surefire way to win over a crowd (or just treat yourself), these Mini Meatball Subs are truly irresistible. Give them a try—you’ll love how easy they are and how every last bite vanishes with happy smiles. I can’t wait for you to share these with your family and friends!

Mini Meatball Subs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 mini subs 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Mini Meatball Subs are a delicious and easy meal perfect for a quick dinner or game day snack. Tender meatballs are simmered in marinara sauce, then nestled into mini sub rolls, topped with melty mozzarella cheese, and baked to perfection. Serve these sliders with a side salad or fries for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef
¼ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Assembly:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1½ cups marinara sauce
8 mini sub rolls or slider buns
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides. Add marinara sauce, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Assemble the Subs: Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice the mini sub rolls, place meatballs with sauce in each roll, top with mozzarella, and bake for 5–7 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with basil if desired and serve warm.