Print

Savory Italian Meatball Subs Recipe – Easy Homemade Marinara & Provolone

Italian meatball subs - featured image
Print Recipe

These savory Italian meatball subs feature juicy homemade meatballs simmered in a rich marinara sauce, topped with melty provolone cheese and served on toasted sub rolls. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings, this recipe delivers classic Italian comfort in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1/2 cup Italian-style or plain breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4–6 sturdy sub rolls or hoagie buns
  • 8–12 slices provolone cheese
  • Extra Parmesan or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, egg, salt, pepper, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and milk. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Form mixture into 1.5-inch balls (about 18–20 meatballs) and place evenly on the baking sheet.
  4. Bake meatballs for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and firm.
  5. While meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  6. Add crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
  7. Transfer baked meatballs into the marinara sauce and simmer together for 5 minutes.
  8. Slice sub rolls lengthwise but not all the way through. Place open-faced on a baking sheet and toast under broiler for 1–2 minutes until edges are golden.
  9. Spoon 3–4 meatballs and sauce into each toasted roll. Top with 2 slices provolone cheese.
  10. Return subs to oven and bake/broil for 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly browned.
  11. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For best results, use a mix of beef and pork for juicy meatballs. Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to avoid dense texture. Toast rolls just before assembling to prevent sogginess. For gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations, use appropriate breadcrumbs and cheese substitutes. Meatballs and sauce can be made ahead and reheated. Watch cheese closely under the broiler to avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball subs, Italian sandwich, homemade marinara, provolone cheese, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal, family recipe, sub rolls, hoagie buns

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/savory-italian-meatball-subs-recipe-easy-homemade-marinara-and-provolone/