If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that packs all the comfort and flavor of a classic Italian sandwich into a bite-sized package, you have to try these Mini Meatball Subs. They’re everything you love about a hearty meatball sub—juicy, savory meatballs, rich marinara, gooey cheese, and crusty rolls—shrunk down to the perfect handheld size. Whether you’re serving them for a party, game day, or a fun family dinner, Mini Meatball Subs are impossible to resist and guaranteed to disappear quickly!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with simple, familiar ingredients, each one playing a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and irresistible appeal. Don’t skip any—every part matters in making these Mini Meatball Subs shine!
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: Use either for juicy, flavorful meatballs; sausage adds extra spice!
- Breadcrumbs: These bind the meatballs together and keep them tender.
- Egg: Helps hold the meatballs together for the perfect bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick and classic Italian flavor.
- Italian seasoning: Brings in that herby, aromatic taste that defines Italian-American dishes.
- Garlic powder: Infuses every meatball with subtle, savory warmth.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors forward.
- Black pepper: Adds just a hint of heat and earthiness.
- Marinara sauce: A jar of your favorite sauce keeps things easy and deliciously saucy.
- Mini sub rolls or slider buns: Perfectly sized for easy serving and eating.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a bubbly, gooey topping everyone loves.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a pop of color and freshness at serving time.
- Olive oil: For browning the meatballs and adding a hint of richness.
How to Make Mini Meatball Subs
Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs
Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl and combining the ground beef or Italian sausage with breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything just until combined (overmixing can make the meatballs tough). Then, roll the mixture into small, 1-inch balls—you should end up with just the right number for your mini subs.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, add the meatballs and let them brown on all sides—about 5 to 6 minutes total. You don’t need to cook them all the way through just yet; the goal is to get a delicious crust for extra flavor and texture.
Step 3: Simmer in Marinara Sauce
Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a large saucepan and pour in the marinara sauce. Let everything simmer gently over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. This step finishes cooking the meatballs and lets them soak up all that herby, garlicky tomato goodness.
Step 4: Assemble the Mini Meatball Subs
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Slice open your mini sub rolls or slider buns and arrange them on a baking sheet. Tuck 2 to 3 meatballs (with a spoonful of sauce) into each roll. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top, making sure every sub gets a cheesy blanket.
Step 5: Bake Until Hot and Bubbly
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. If you like, finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve the Mini Meatball Subs warm, and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Mini Meatball Subs
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is a classic, but you can also sprinkle a bit of extra Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. A drizzle of good olive oil or even a few fresh basil leaves can elevate the look and flavor of your Mini Meatball Subs to restaurant-worthy status.
Side Dishes
Pair your Mini Meatball Subs with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or classic potato chips for a fun, casual meal. For a heartier spread, garlic bread or a warm pasta salad makes a fantastic companion. The subs are also great with a simple side of Italian pickled vegetables for a little tang.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or game day, arrange the Mini Meatball Subs in a big basket lined with parchment—easy to grab and totally inviting. For a family dinner, serve them on a platter with small bowls of extra marinara for dipping. You can even set up a “build your own” meatball sub bar with extra toppings like sliced olives, banana peppers, or sautéed onions to let everyone customize their own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Mini Meatball Subs (which isn’t likely, but just in case!), let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully and are just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, prepare the meatballs and simmer them in sauce as directed, then let them cool. Arrange the cooked meatballs (without the rolls) on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw, assemble the subs, and bake as usual.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftover Mini Meatball Subs in the oven at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes, until warmed through and the cheese is melty. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover the subs with a damp paper towel to keep the bread soft.
FAQs
Can I make Mini Meatball Subs with turkey or plant-based meat?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute ground turkey or your favorite plant-based meat alternative. Both options work beautifully and make these subs a little lighter, but still delicious and satisfying.
How do I keep the meatballs from getting tough?
The key is to mix the meatball ingredients just until combined—overworking the mixture can make the meatballs dense. Also, using breadcrumbs and egg helps keep them tender and juicy.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can shape and brown the meatballs a day in advance. Simply store them in the fridge, then simmer in marinara and assemble the subs when you’re ready to serve. This makes party prep a breeze!
What’s the best way to keep Mini Meatball Subs warm for a party?
Once baked, keep the Mini Meatball Subs on a baking sheet covered loosely with foil in a low (200°F) oven. This way, they stay hot and melty until your guests are ready to dig in.
Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
Of course! If you have a favorite homemade sauce, by all means use it. It’ll add even more personal flavor to your Mini Meatball Subs and make them extra special.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Mini Meatball Subs at home, now’s the perfect time to give it a try. They’re easy, incredibly tasty, and always bring a smile to the table. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just yourself, these little subs are guaranteed to become a new favorite—so grab your ingredients and get rolling!
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Mini Meatball Subs Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini subs 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Mini Meatball Subs are hearty and delicious Italian-American sliders featuring tender homemade meatballs simmered in marinara sauce, topped with gooey melted mozzarella cheese inside soft mini sub rolls. Perfect for parties, game days, or kid-friendly dinners, these bite-sized sandwiches are packed with classic flavors and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce and Assembly
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 12 mini sub rolls or slider buns
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef or Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs, then shape into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches without overcrowding the pan, browning them on all sides for about 5–6 minutes total. They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
- Simmer in Marinara Sauce: Transfer the browned meatballs into a saucepan containing the marinara sauce. Allow them to simmer over low heat for 15–20 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and flavorful.
- Assemble the Subs: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the mini sub rolls and place them on a baking sheet. Fill each roll with 2 to 3 meatballs and spoon some marinara sauce on top.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over each filled roll. Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve the mini meatball subs warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Meatballs can be made ahead and frozen; simply thaw and reheat in marinara sauce when needed.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or use plant-based meat alternatives.
- These mini subs are perfect for parties, game day snacks, or family-friendly dinners.
- Use fresh parsley as a garnish to add a pop of color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini sub
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
