Meatball sub sandwiches are pure comfort food.

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

A good meatball sub is comfort food at its best.

While it may seem like a lot of work for a sandwich, this is no ordinary sandwich.

A Plate of Meatball Sub Topped with Banana Peppers and Basil, and in the Background, a Plate With Another Sub and a Glass of Beer

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

Plus, you’re free to break up the work to make it easier.

I prefer to prepare the meatballs a day in advance and store them in the fridge.

Then you’ve got the option to serve up a meatball sub in 10 minutes flat.

A Plate of Meatball Sub Topped with Banana Peppers and Basil, and in the Background, a Plate With Another Sub and a Glass of Beer

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

What Makes a Great Meatball Sub?

There are a few elements to a great meatball sub sandwich.

First, you need good meatballs.

A Plate of Meatball Sub Topped with Banana Peppers and Basil, and in the Background, a Plate With Another Sub and a Glass of Beer

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

Second, the bread is important.

Third, toppings are key.

I like melty provolone cheese, fresh basil, and banana peppers for a little kick.

Breaded Meatballs on a Baking Tray for Meatball Sub Recipe

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

The Best Bread for Meatball Subs

Any good hoagie roll works well for these subs.

I like to use a high-quality sesame seed hoagie.

Most grocery stores will have some sort of hoagie rolls in their bakery section.

Meatballs Searing in a Skillet for Meatballs Sub Recipe

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

While it is a bit more expensive, I like Raos, aSimply Recipes favorite.

Using a high-quality (or homemade) sauce makes a big difference.

Make It Ahead

I like making most of the components for meatballs subs in advance.

Meatballs Cooking in a Pot of Marinara Sauce for Gameday Meatball Sub Recipe

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

The meatballs are actually more flavorful if they sit in the sauce overnight.

Then add the ground beef, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and oregano.

Mix with your hands until combined; its okay if there are a few bread chunks still.

Leftover Meatballs and Marinara Sauce in a Glass Pyrex Tupperware

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

Add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat.

Once its glistening hot, add the meatballs, searing for a few minutes on every side.

Once seared, transfer the meatballs to a medium saucepan and add the marinara sauce.

Meatballs, Marinara Sauce, and Provolone Cheese on a Hoagie Bun for Meatball Sub

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer.

Add up to 1 cup of water to the pot if the marinara sauce seems too thick.

Simmer until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened, about 30 minutes.

A Plate of Meatball Sub Topped with Banana Peppers and Basil

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

Preheat the oven to 450 F.

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.

Add a little butter or drizzle of oil to the skillet and add the rolls cut side down.

Cook until the hoagies are toasted, about 2 minutes.

Scoop 4 meatballs out of the marinara sauce and chop them in half.

Add them to a toasted hoagie and spoon about 1/2 cup of sauce over the top of the meatballs.

Top with 2 slices of provolone.

Repeat with the remaining rolls and meatballs.

Bake the hoagies until the cheese is well melted, about 5 minutes.

Top with basil and banana peppers, if desired.

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