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Italian Meatball Subs

Italian Meatball Sub Sandwiches

These Italian Meatball Sub Sandwiches turn a bag of frozen meatballs into a deli-quality dinner in under 30 minutes. By using a simple 'cheese shield' technique to prevent soggy bread and doctoring up store-bought marinara, you get a perfectly toasted, saucy sandwich that tastes completely homemade.
4.69 from 35 votes
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Course: dinner, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 6 sandwiches
Calories: 442kcal
Author: Jennifer Smith
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients
 

Directions

  • In a medium saucepan, combine frozen meatballs, marinara, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are tender and heated through.
  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Place split rolls on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 2–3 minutes until the edges are just slightly golden.
  • Remove rolls from the oven. Place a thin layer of shredded mozzarella (or a slice of provolone) directly onto the bread. Top with 4–5 saucy meatballs and a small spoonful of extra sauce.
  • Top with the remaining cheese. Bake for 8–10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and starting to brown.

Notes

Slow Cooker Instructions: Combine frozen meatballs, pasta sauce, and Italian seasoning in a 4-qt Crock Pot. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the meatballs are heated through.
Instant Pot Instructions: Combine frozen meatballs, pasta sauce, and Italian seasoning in the inner pot of the pressure cooker. Cook on HIGH pressure for 5 minutes.
Serving Idea: Pair these subs with a crisp Caesar salad or my 10-minute Air Fryer French Fries to balance out the cheesy goodness.
Pro-Tip for Leftovers: Store the meatballs and sauce separately from the rolls. Reheat the meatballs on the stove or in the microwave, then assemble and toast fresh rolls for the best texture the next day.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 442 kcal | Carbohydrates: 8 g | Protein: 29 g | Fat: 33 g | Saturated Fat: 14 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13 g | Cholesterol: 111 mg | Sodium: 842 mg | Potassium: 695 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 5 g | Vitamin A: 760 IU | Vitamin C: 9 mg | Calcium: 228 mg | Iron: 3 mg
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