Dinner’s ready in only 30 with these Italian-style meatball sub sandwiches! Perfect for a crazy-busy weeknight dinner or just a casual weekend tailgating bash.
After yesterday’s awesomeness, you can guess all that I’m craving now. Bring on the comfort food.
I feel as though today requires something extra-cozy and comforting. It IS the last day of September today, ya know.
How can it be that we’re practically into OCTOBER already?! Right now, things are super-crazy here as my family and I are in the midst of preparing for a road-trip to Arkansas to attend a two-week conference with our church. We’re leaving in less than a week and crazy-freak-out-mode is in full force here.
P.S—don’t worry, I’m not going MIA on the blog. I’ve prepared a ton of posts to keep you guys entertained while I’m gone—I think you guys would miss me too much if I fell off the face of the blogging earth for two weeks. You know you would. 😀
But anywho, do you know what it’s like packing for a big trip for seven people for nearly two weeks of traveling? I’ll give you a hint—It’s exhausting and I’m craving anything and everything easy right about now.
That’s where cozy and comforting, throw-together-in-30-minutes dinners come in.
Enter Italian Meatball Subs.
I’m not about to skip Italian night just because life is cray. When life gives you crazy, make Italian meatball subs.
Then eat ’em like it’s the last thing your face will ever eat.
Are you obsessed with Italian food as much as I am? Awesome. Let’s be friends and eat all the meatball subs, yo.
Got 30 minutes tonight? Groovy. Your dinner is in the BAG. Or the bun…(ha-ha)
Gosh, did I really just say “groovy”? I must be tired. This isn’t the 70’s I don’t think…
So a few days ago I was in a dinner-rut. It was getting late and the troops were getting hungry. It was really grey and chilly outside, but I wasn’t in the mood for a soup, and just wasn’t craving something rich like a super-cheesy casserole. But at the same time, I like reaaaaally wanted Italian food. Basically anything carb-filled.
Aaaand those freshly-made buns sitting all lonely on the counter were kinda calling my name…
Ditto for the jar of marinara sauce sitting in my pantry.
I already had meatballs all cooked and ready to go, so I slapped ’em on a bun—dumped on some warm marinara sauce, went cray with the Parmesan cheese and called it DONE.
The comfort, you guys. The cozyness. The EASY-NESS.
Boring dinners shall be no more with Italian Meatballs Subs around.
Now on that note, I’m off to pack up my can’t-live-two-weeks-without favorite kitchen gadgets. And hope that my dad doesn’t notice that extra 5-foot tall box.
And you? You should just get busy making these subs. (*cough* hint-hint *cough*)
Enjoy, friends!
Italian Meatball Subs
This recipe may included paid links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- MEATBALLS:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup dry bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- SUBS:
- 8 hot dog buns split
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce warmed
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine beef, bread crumbs, seasonings, and egg. Roll meat mixture into 24 1-in balls and place on a greased baking sheet. Bake meatballs at 375F 20-25 minutes or until beef is no longer pink.
- Prepare the subs: Place 3 meatballs in each split bun. Top with warm marinara sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serve subs warm.
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
These subs look like the perfect weeknight meal! I love how easy they are to throw together, especially with all that cheesy goodness on top!
Sarah says
Thanks, Gayle! They’re a busy weeknight dinner lifesaver. 🙂
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong says
Delicious!!! I am a huge fan of Meatball sub.. These subs look incredibly Yummy!!! 🙂
Sarah says
Thanks, Arpita! Aren’t they the best thing ever?! Totally in love with ’em. 😉
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
This is everything I want in a sub sandwich! Love it!!!!
Sarah says
Thanks Liz!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
I love meatball sandwiches! So good and comforting. How fun that you’re going on a roadtrip to Arkansas! You should keep your eye out for the Duggars : )
Sarah says
Hahaha! I was kinda thinking the same thing! And if I do see them I was thinking, would it be rude to ask for autographs? I love their show! LOL. 😀
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
These subs look incredible! So comforting and love how quick and easy they are to put together too:) Yay for your road trip to Arkansas – hope you have tons of fun girl!
Sarah says
Thanks so much Kelly! I’m definitely looking forward to getting away for a bit. 😉
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says
Love meatball subs!! They are one of my go-to dinners because they come together in a jiffy. I always make and freeze big batches of meatballs, so it’s as easy as defrosting!! Yours look gorgeous– that cheese– yum!
Sarah says
These subs have quickly become my go-to dinner too! I love your idea of freezing the meatballs—that would definitely make the prep time go even faster! Thanks Jess. 🙂
Olivia - Primavera Kitchen says
I’ve gotta make this recipe for my husband! He looks sandwich and meatball too. So, it is a perfect combination. Great recipe my sweet friend 😉
Danielle says
I love meatball subs, total comfort food! These subs looks absolutely delicious too!
By the way, I live in Arkansas! Not sure where you’ll be going, but I hope you have a good trip! Would love to hear how it goes 🙂
Sarah says
Ahhh! No way! We’re going to Hot Springs—is that close to where you are? 🙂
Danielle says
Aww no 🙁 it’s about 2.5-3 hours from me!
Sarah says
Awww…that’s too bad. 🙁
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
Quick weeknight dinners are seriously the best!
Sarah says
Totally agree! 🙂
Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later! says
I don’t usually want a meatball sandwich, but I totally could take a bite of that right now! It looks so good!
Sarah says
Thanks Amber! They’re seriously amazing. 🙂
C | Glamorous Bite says
I just love Italian meatball subs and get them once in a while at a small local deli. Your subs look great and are inspiring me to make my own (on a day that I can wait those extra 30 minutes!) C
Sarah says
Thanks Corina! Aren’t meatball subs the best?! Homemade is totally better than any deli. 😉
Joanne says
I’m pretty sure the.boy could eat Italian subs every night and be beyond happy. Going to have to hide this post from him lest he start licking my screen!
Sarah says
Make your man some of these subs! I think he’ll love you forever. 😀
Kelly // The Pretty Bee: Cooking & Creating says
These look great! Perfect busy weeknight dinner food! Wow, sounds like an epic road trip! You guys are brave. I can’t even drive more than a couple hours with my two kiddos! 😉
Sarah says
Thanks Kelly! And oh I know…it’s gonna be an insane car ride. LOL. 😉
Jen @ Baked by an Introvert says
Homemade meatballs are the best! We eat meatball subs every once in a while in my house. I will for sure have to try your recipe!
Sarah says
Thanks, Jen! Let me know if you make these! 🙂
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen says
Wow Sarah – now that is a meatball sub! Comfort food at its finest! Have a safe trip and yes, we will miss you while you are gone.
Sarah says
Thanks so much, Kristi! 🙂
Mary Frances @ The Sweet {Tooth} Life says
We would definitely miss you Sarah! That conference sounds so fun, enjoy the break girl! You are so right, when I’m stressed, hot cheesy comfort food with crispy grilled bread is where it is ALL at. You combined all of that with this recipe and I need some asap!
Sarah says
Thanks, Mary Frances! I’m looking forward to the mini-vacay—I so need a little break. 😀 And girl, you SO need to try these subs—total comfort food. 😉