Sandwich

Classic Meatball Sub

Original name: Meatball Sub

A toasted sub roll loaded with saucy meatballs and melted cheese, served on a wooden cutting board
Prep
30 mins
Cook
40 mins
Servings
4
Italian AmericanMediumLunchHigh Protein

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

protein

500 g

Imperial measurement: 1 lb

Ground pork

protein

250 g

Imperial measurement: 0.5 lb

Breadcrumbs

grain

60 g

Imperial measurement: 0.5 cup

Eggs

protein

2

Grated Parmesan cheese

dairy

50 g

Imperial measurement: 0.5 cup

Garlic, minced

herb

3 cloves

Fresh parsley, chopped

herb

15 g

Imperial measurement: 2 tbsp

Dried oregano

spice

5 g

Imperial measurement: 1 tsp

Salt

seasoning

5 g

Imperial measurement: 1 tsp

Black pepper

spice

2 g

Imperial measurement: 0.5 tsp

Olive oil

fat

30 ml

Imperial measurement: 2 tbsp

Canned crushed tomatoes

vegetable

800 g

Imperial measurement: 28 oz

Onion, finely chopped

vegetable

1 medium

Fresh basil leaves

herb

5 g

Imperial measurement: 5 leaves

Sub rolls

grain

4

Sliced provolone cheese

dairy

120 g

Imperial measurement: 4 slices

Shredded mozzarella cheese

dairy

120 g

Imperial measurement: 1 cup

Method

1

Prepare meatballs

PT10M

In 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.

2

Brown meatballs

PT8M

Heat 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.

3

Build sauce

PT5M

In 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.

4

Simmer meatballs in sauce

PT25M

Return 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.

5

Preheat broiler

PT2M

Preheat your oven’s broiler and arrange a rack about 6 inches from the heating element.

6

Assemble subs

PT3M

Split 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.

7

Melt cheese

PT3M

Place 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.

8

Serve

PT2M

Let subs cool for 2 minutes, then serve immediately with extra sauce on the side if desired.

Equipment

  • [object Object]

Nutrition facts

420 kcal
Calories
38 g
Protein
42 g
Carbohydrates
32 g
Fat
4 g
Fiber
980 mg
Sodium

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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Mason Walker

Recipe by

Mason Walker

Specialises in American cuisine

Mason Walker makes barbecue brisket that takes 16 hours. He sleeps next to the smoker.

Describe yourself in three words: Smoky, slow, brisket loyalist.