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
Scale
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
