Name: Meatball Sandwich
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
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)

Jump to Recipe

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!

Two half meatball sub sandwiches with potato chips.

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!

Collage showing how to make a meatball sandwich.

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:

Instant Pot Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Meatball Casserole
Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs with Mushrooms
Crockpot BBQ Meatballs

Meatball Sandwich

5 from 7 votes

Print Save Pin

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4 Servings

I earn a commission from Amazon and Instacart from qualifying purchases.

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 sauce
16 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 butter
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
4 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.

Notes

*The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card and a serving size of 1 sandwich. Actual calories will vary.

*For more information, tips, and answers to frequently asked questions, please refer to the post.

Nutrition

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 :)

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!

Thursday 5th of October 2017

Thank you, Paula! I hope you decide to make it for your family. Have a great day :)