Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I appreciate how fast and simple this recipe is, especially on busy days. Using pre-made meatballs makes everything incredibly easy, and I like that the whole dish comes together in minutes. I enjoy how customizable these subs are, letting me add extra toppings or keep them classic. They’re filling, flavorful, and perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

400g pre-made meatballs
325g fresh tomato pasta sauce
4 long rolls
1 cup grated cheese, 100g
Fresh Italian parsley, chopped

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 200°C fan grill.

2. In a large frying pan, I fry the meatballs until they’re browned and cooked through.

3. I add the pasta sauce and cook everything for a few minutes until the sauce is hot and coats the meatballs well.

4. I cut the rolls in half and place them on a baking tray.

5. I divide the meatballs and sauce evenly across the four rolls.

6. I scatter grated cheese over the top and bake the subs under the grill for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.

7. I finish by scattering chopped fresh parsley over the hot subs before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4. Prep time is about 15 minutes, cook time about 10 minutes, and total time approximately 25 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add sliced jalapeños for heat or swap the cheese for mozzarella or provolone for a different melt and flavor. I like adding sautéed onions or bell peppers for extra texture. If I want them creamier, I spread a thin layer of mayo or garlic butter on the rolls before baking.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store the meatballs and sauce separately from the rolls to prevent sogginess. They keep in the refrigerator for up to two days. I reheat the meatballs and sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave, then assemble fresh. If the assembled subs need reheating, I warm them in the oven at 180°C until the bread is crisp and the cheese remelts.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs?

Yes, I use homemade whenever I have time, but pre-made keeps things quick and easy.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, I like mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, or a mix depending on what I have.

Do the rolls need to be toasted first?

I don’t toast them beforehand, but I can if I want a crispier base.

Can I make this recipe ahead?

Yes, I prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead, then assemble and grill just before serving.

Can I freeze leftover meatballs and sauce?

Yes, they freeze well. I thaw and reheat them before assembling fresh subs.

What type of rolls work best?

I prefer soft long rolls because they soak up the sauce but stay sturdy enough to hold the filling.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Sautéed onions, mushrooms, or peppers work especially well.

Can I make these spicy?

Yes, I add chili flakes, hot sauce, or spicy meatballs.

Why is my cheese not melting well?

Using freshly grated cheese helps it melt more smoothly.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, I scale everything up easily for feeding a larger group.

Conclusion

I love making these meatball subs because they deliver maximum comfort with minimal effort. The tender meatballs, savory sauce, and bubbling cheese tucked into warm rolls always hit the spot. They’re perfect for a quick dinner, a casual weekend lunch, or sharing with friends and family.