I couldn’t tell you which is better in this recipe– the homemade meatballs, or the homemade sauce! Both are super easy and fast to make, and both taste amazing!! After eating this for dinner, my husband claimed these Italian Meatball Subs were his new favorite meal (which made me laugh because it is such a “guy” meal 🙂 )
My husband went on, and on, and on about how much he loved these and he praised me for the rest of the night–all the while I was thinking to myself how funny that he had no idea how dang easy this meal was to make 🙂 But I also really loved these. The sauce is fantastic and the meatballs have the perfect blend of spices. Plus they’re layered on a cheesy, toasted bun–what’s better than that?!
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s totally freezer friendly. I like to make a big batch of the meatballs and freeze half of them after they’re baked. You could even freeze the sauce if you wanted.
- 1/2 cup crushed saltine crackers
- 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese
- 3 Tbsp milk
- 1/4 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 2 Tbsp dried parsley
- 1 egg , lightly beaten
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 large clove garlic , finely minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 3/4 cup flour , for dredging
- 4 hoagies or sub rolls
- Sliced mozzarella cheese
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 3/4 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
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In a large bowl combine all of the meatball ingredients together EXCEPT for the meat. Let mixture sit for 10-15 minutes so the crackers can soak up some of the liquid. Add the meat and mix until well combined.
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease a large baking sheet. Form 12-15 meatballs with your hands, about the size of golf balls, and gently sprinkle them all around with flour.
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Place the meatballs one inch apart on the baking sheet and bake for 20 -25 minutes or until cooked through.
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While the meatballs cook, make the homemade sauce.
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In a medium saucepan combine the sauce ingredients. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
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When the meatballs are finished baking, scrape any grease off the bottom of them and place them in the sauce. Slice the hoagies and layer with mozzarella cheese. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes or until rolls are toasted and cheese is melted. Remove from oven. Place 2-3 meatballs on each sub, followed by a large spoonful of sauce.
Adapted from Mel's Kitchen Cafe
Check out some of my husband’s other favorites:
Chick-Fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Restaurant Style Kung Pao Chicken
Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later! says
These look seriously mouthwatering! That cheesy bun…I want to take a big bite!
Lauren Allen says
The cheesy bun is the deal-maker! SOO good! Thanks Amber!
Alli @ Cupcake Diaries says
Well, it’s not even 8am and I want a meatball sub. haha I can’t wait to make this!!!
Lauren Allen says
I know right? My mouth is watering! They are seriously yummy!
Laura Muir says
Those look wicked good!!! My hubby would love it if I made these! Thanks for the yummy dinner idea! xoxo
~Laura
Lauren Allen says
Thanks Laura, my husband is CRAZY about these!
Pam @ Over the Big Moon says
Yum! My hubs would love me forever if I made this! It’s going on my next week menu! Thanks lady! P.S. Love the new headshot!
Lauren Allen says
Yay, I hope you like them! Thanks for your sweet comment 🙂
the babe2 says
I have made these for dinner. The kitchen smells marvelous. Since we are low carbing, I am serving these with the cheese topping and the sauce only.
I am going to serve them with a veggie on the side and a salad. I can hardly wait.
Lauren Allen says
Yumm! I think they will taste great even without the bun! The meatballs and sauce are soo yummy! I hope you like it!
Brittany says
Thanks for the recipe. I cooked this tonight and it was delicious! My husband loved it!
Lauren Allen says
Thanks Brittany, so glad you liked it! It’s always a hit with the husbands 😉
Trudy says
Made these tonight for a great drizzly fall evening dinner….we’re fantastic (I did use beef consummate instead of broth as that’s what I had on hand)Found you on Pinterest I’m so glad I did thank you for an excellent dinner
Lauren Allen says
Thanks Trudy! Glad you found me and even happier that you lived the meatball subs!
Jasmine says
Can’t wait to make this! How many lbs of meat do I make to the recipe?
Lauren Allen says
Hi Jasmine, you need 1 lb of meat (ground beef or ground turkey)
Diana says
Just made this. I used 1/4 cup of flour instead of 3/4, otherwise, I followed recipe exact. Excellent.
Jane Fairlamb says
These meatballs are wonderful. I’ve already made it twice and have frozen them so I have meatballs anytime I want. They smell fantastic
Lauren Allen says
Aren’t they yummy?! Thanks for sharing Jane–I’m happy you liked them!