Print

Meatball Subs with Cheese and Garlic Butter

Meatball Subs with Cheese and Garlic Butter

This Meatball Subs with Cheese and Garlic Butter recipe combines tender, seasoned meatballs smothered in savory marinara, melted provolone or mozzarella cheese, and rich garlic butter toasted rolls. It’s a comforting, hearty sandwich perfect for any occasion, delivering a perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1/2 lb ground beef and pork blend
  • 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Assembly

  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 4 sub rolls
  • 8 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese (or shredded equivalent)
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced (for garlic butter)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef and pork, fresh breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid dense meatballs. Form into small, evenly sized balls about 1.5 inches in diameter.
  2. Cook the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides until golden and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove meatballs and set aside.
  3. Warm the Marinara Sauce: In the same skillet, add your marinara sauce and bring it to a simmer. Add the cooked meatballs back into the sauce, coating them thoroughly, and let the flavors meld for 5 minutes on low heat.
  4. Make the Garlic Butter: Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in finely minced garlic and cook gently until fragrant and slightly golden, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat to keep the garlic butter warm.
  5. Toast the Bread: Brush the cut sides of your sub rolls generously with the warm garlic butter. Toast them in a hot oven or skillet until golden and crispy, ensuring a perfect crisp texture with that buttery garlic aroma.
  6. Assemble the Subs: Place several meatballs with plenty of marinara sauce inside each garlic butter toasted roll. Top with slices or shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese. Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the meat to avoid dense meatballs.
  • Use fresh garlic in both the meatballs and garlic butter for best flavor.
  • Warm meatballs gently in sauce without boiling to keep them tender.
  • Toast bread with garlic butter for crunch and flavor balance.
  • Watch subs closely under the broiler for perfectly melted, bubbly cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball sub, garlic butter sandwich, meatball sandwich, comfort food, cheesy meatballs, garlic butter rolls