This simple Meatball Sandwich is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Savory meatballs smothered in marinara, topped with ooey gooey mozzarella cheese, and served up in a soft hoagie bun. This sub will delight even the pickiest of eaters!
Meatball Sandwich
During the week, it can be hard to come up with a dinner everyone can agree on – especially one you’re excited to cook after a long day at work! Luckily, this Meatball Sandwich has something in it for everyone.
Don’t worry about hand rolling your meatballs from scratch or spending hours simmering the perfect tomato sauce. By using frozen meatballs and a jar of your favorite marinara sauce, this recipe can come together and be on the table in no time.
How To Make Meatball Sandwich
- In a large saucepan, simmer the marinara and frozen meatballs for 10 to 15 minutes. While the meatballs simmer, we’re going to make the garlic butter.
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Split the hoagie buns in half lengthwise, leaving them attached at the bottom. Spread the garlic butter to the inside of the buns.
- Place the buns on a baking sheet or in a pan and broil them for 2 to 3 minutes until they begin to toast and the butter begins to melt.
- Remove the buns from the oven and divide the meatballs evenly between each bun with several spoons of marinara sauce. Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese and return to the broiler.
- Bake at 300°F for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Serve hot out of the oven and enjoy! Don’t forget your napkins!
Tips and Variations
- To save even more time, use a premade garlic butter from the store or make your own ahead of time with our Garlic Herb Butter Recipe!
- This recipe uses mozzarella but you can switch out the cheese to your favorite. Maybe a parmesan or a dollop of ricotta for a change?
- Add red pepper flakes either to the sauce or on top of the subs for some spice.
- Top with some pesto or basil to add some unique flavor to the marinara.
- If you don’t have hoagie buns, hot dog buns can work in a pinch. However, they won’t be able to fit as many meatballs in them.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store wrapped in aluminum foil or in an airtight container for about three to five days in the fridge.
Reheating: When reheating, wrap sandwiches in aluminum foil (or keep them wrapped if already stored that way). Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake directly on the rack or on a pan for about 10 minutes or until sandwiches have warmed all the way through.
Searching for More Mouthwatering Meatball Recipes? Feast Your Eyes on One of These:

Meatball Sandwich
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 16 ounces frozen meatballs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 hoagie buns
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded off the block
Instructions
- In a large pan, simmer the marinara and frozen meatballs for 10 to 15 minutes. While the meatballs simmer, make the garlic butter.24 ounces marinara sauce16 ounces frozen meatballs
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Split the hoagie buns in half lengthwise, leaving them attached at the bottom. Apply the garlic butter to the inside of the buns.4 tablespoons unsalted butter½ teaspoon garlic powder¼ teaspoon onion powder¼ teaspoon kosher salt4 hoagie buns
- Place the buns on a baking sheet or in a pan, and broil them for 2 to 3 minutes until they begin to toast and the butter begins to melt.
- Remove the buns from the oven and divide the meatballs between each of the buns with several spoons of marinara sauce. Top with shredded cheese, and return to the broiler.1 cup mozzarella cheese
- Bake at 300°F for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- See post for storage instructions.
Pat
Friday 17th of February 2023
Very easy and tasty. Just toasted mine in my air fryer.
Kimberly
Sunday 19th of February 2023
Thanks so much, Pat! We're glad you enjoyed the sandwiches. Have a fantastic week! :)
Turtle
Friday 6th of October 2017
Honestly I generally hate meatballs but I think this recipe may have won me over. I definitely need to try this for dinner with the hubby one night.
John
Saturday 7th of October 2017
Thank you, Turtle! Well, if it wins you over then I'm satisfied with my handiwork lol! Thank you again for commenting and I hope you have a lovely Saturday :)
Turtle
Friday 6th of October 2017
Honestly I generally hate meatballs but I think this recipe may have won me over. I definitely need to try this for dinner with the hubby one night.
Paula @ I'm busy being awesome
Wednesday 4th of October 2017
You're absolutely right! This is a great option for families-it offers the best of everything☺️ Yum!
John
Thursday 5th of October 2017
Thank you, Paula! I hope you decide to make it for your family. Have a great day :)
Paula @ I'm busy being awesome
Wednesday 4th of October 2017
You're absolutely right! This is a great option for families-it offers the best of everything☺️ Yum!