Classic Italian-American Meatball Subs
Juicy beef and pork meatballs simmered in rich tomato sauce, nestled in toasted rolls and topped with melted mozzarella for a satisfying sandwich. This italian-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 60 minutes pairs ground beef, ground Italian sausage, breadcrumbs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground Italian sausage
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 large egg
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 24 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 4 Italian rolls
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, soak 3/4 cup breadcrumbs in 1/4 cup milk for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add 1/2 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb ground Italian sausage, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix gently until combined.
- Step 3: Shape the mixture into 16 uniform meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
- Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden but not cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Step 5: In the same skillet, add 24 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried basil, and 1 tsp dried oregano. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes.
- Step 6: Return meatballs to the sauce, cover, and simmer gently for 15 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and sauce thickens.
- Step 7: Split 4 Italian rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Place 4 meatballs with sauce in each roll.
- Step 8: Top each sub with about 3/8 cup (6 tbsp) shredded mozzarella cheese. Place subs on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes until cheese melts and edges of rolls are toasted.
- Step 9: Serve hot with extra sauce if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Italian-American Meatball Subs take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (25 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Classic Italian-American Meatball Subs?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Italian-American Meatball Subs?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Classic Italian-American Meatball Subs for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Classic Italian-American Meatball Subs?
Italian sandwiches & wraps like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
