Sandwich
Classic Meatball Sub
Original name: Meatball Sub

About this dish
This meatball sub piles tender, juicy beef-and-pork meatballs into crusty rolls, blankets them with melted provolone and mozzarella, and hits the broiler for a bubbly finish. Braised in a rich tomato sauce, the meatballs soak up flavor while the cheese gets golden and stretchy.
It’s the kind of sandwich that demands two hands and a napkin—a messy, satisfying classic born from Italian-American delis across the Northeast.
Ingredients
UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.
Ground beef
protein500 g
Imperial measurement: 1 lb
Ground pork
protein250 g
Imperial measurement: 0.5 lb
Breadcrumbs
grain60 g
Imperial measurement: 0.5 cup
Eggs
protein2
Grated Parmesan cheese
dairy50 g
Imperial measurement: 0.5 cup
Garlic, minced
herb3 cloves
Fresh parsley, chopped
herb15 g
Imperial measurement: 2 tbsp
Dried oregano
spice5 g
Imperial measurement: 1 tsp
Salt
seasoning5 g
Imperial measurement: 1 tsp
Black pepper
spice2 g
Imperial measurement: 0.5 tsp
Olive oil
fat30 ml
Imperial measurement: 2 tbsp
Canned crushed tomatoes
vegetable800 g
Imperial measurement: 28 oz
Onion, finely chopped
vegetable1 medium
Fresh basil leaves
herb5 g
Imperial measurement: 5 leaves
Sub rolls
grain4
Sliced provolone cheese
dairy120 g
Imperial measurement: 4 slices
Shredded mozzarella cheese
dairy120 g
Imperial measurement: 1 cup
Method
Prepare meatballs
PT10MIn a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Form into 12 golf ball-sized meatballs.
Brown meatballs
PT8MHeat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add meatballs in a single batch and brown on all sides, about 2 minutes per side. Work in batches if necessary. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate.
Build sauce
PT5MIn the same pot, add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes and basil, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer.
Simmer meatballs in sauce
PT25MReturn meatballs to the pot, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20–25 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
Preheat broiler
PT2MPreheat your oven’s broiler and arrange a rack about 6 inches from the heating element.
Assemble subs
PT3MSplit sub rolls open and toast them lightly under the broiler, about 1 minute. Place 3 meatballs in each roll and spoon plenty of sauce over them. Top each with a slice of provolone and a generous handful of shredded mozzarella.
Melt cheese
PT3MPlace assembled subs on a baking sheet and broil until cheese is bubbly and starting to brown, about 2–3 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Serve
PT2MLet subs cool for 2 minutes, then serve immediately with extra sauce on the side if desired.
Equipment
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Nutrition facts
Tips
- Wet your hands slightly before rolling the meatballs—it prevents sticking and helps keep the meatballs tender.
- Simmering the meatballs low and slow in the sauce builds deep flavor, don't rush that step.
- For extra char and crunch, toast the sub rolls under the broiler before adding meat and cheese.
- Cold meatballs are easier to load into rolls without breaking, so cool them in the sauce for 5 minutes before assembling.
Serving suggestions
- Serve with a side of marinara for dipping and a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil.
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Recipe by
Mason Walker
Specialises in American cuisineMason Walker makes barbecue brisket that takes 16 hours. He sleeps next to the smoker.
Describe yourself in three words: Smoky, slow, brisket loyalist.