Spicy Italian Steakhouse-Style Meatball Subs

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-14 · Updated 2026-06-14

Juicy beef meatballs simmered in a spicy tomato sauce, served in toasted rolls with melted provolone cheese for a hearty sandwich. This Italian-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs ground beef, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
• 1 tsp, divided salt
• 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 can (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 4 hoagie rolls
• 8 provolone cheese slices

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Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes. Mix gently until just combined and form into sixteen 1 1/2-inch meatballs.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through.
3. Step 3: Remove meatballs and set aside. In the same skillet, add 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, remaining 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat.
4. Step 4: Return the meatballs to the sauce, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and sauce thickens.
5. Step 5: Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice 4 hoagie rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Place 4 meatballs and sauce into each roll, topping each with 2 slices of provolone cheese.
6. Step 6: Place assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts and rolls are toasted. Serve hot.