Gooey Little Cheesy Mini Meatball Subs Recipe for Snack Lovers

Bubbling with flavor and packed with an irresistible cheesy mini meatball subs charm, this recipe brings comfort food to a whole new level.

Tender, juicy meatballs nestled in soft bread create a mouthwatering combination that screams indulgence.

Each bite delivers a perfect blend of savory meat, melted cheese, and hearty sauce.

The recipe offers a delightful twist on classic sandwich favorites that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Small enough to be party-friendly yet substantial enough to satisfy serious appetites, these mini subs are ideal for game day or casual gatherings.

The meatballs, infused with herbs and spices, promise a burst of flavor in every single bite.

You’ll want to whip up a batch of these delectable mini subs and watch them disappear in record time.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Mini Meatball Subs Ingredient Rundown

• Ground Beef: Provides rich, hearty protein foundation for classic meatball texture.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates light, tender structure and helps bind ingredients together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory depth and helps meatballs maintain moisture.
• Egg: Acts as natural binding agent to hold meatball mixture cohesively.
• Garlic: Delivers robust, aromatic flavor profile to meatball mixture.
• Parsley: Introduces fresh, bright herbal notes and vibrant color.
• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Enhance overall seasoning and complement meat's natural taste.

• Marinara Sauce: Provides tangy, rich coating for meatballs and adds moisture.

• Sub Buns: Serves as warm, soft carrier for meatballs and cheese.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating creamy, stretchy topping.
• Butter, Garlic Powder: Optional enhancement for bun's exterior flavor and golden crispness.
• Fresh Parsley or Basil: Offers fresh garnish and bright finishing touch.

Tools That Make Mini Meatball Subs Come Together Fast

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining and mixing meatball ingredients thoroughly.
• Skillet: Perfect for browning meatballs evenly over medium heat.
• Baking dish or sheet pan: Needed for toasting and melting cheese on the subs.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients for consistent results.
• Knife: Used for slicing buns and chopping herbs for garnish.
• Spatula or tongs: Great for turning and handling meatballs while cooking.

How to Build and Bake the Perfect Mini Sub

• Create Meatball Mixture

Blend ground meat with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Softly mix ingredients until just combined, then roll into bite-sized spheres.

• Sizzle and Simmer Meatballs

Warm a skillet with light oil over medium heat. Cook meatballs 6-8 minutes, rotating occasionally until golden brown. Pour marinara sauce over meatballs and let simmer for 10 minutes.

• Prepare Baking Base

Heat oven to 375F. Gently slice buns open without cutting completely through. Place buns in baking dish. Optional: Brush bun tops with garlic-infused butter for extra zest.

• Build Delicious Subs

Nestle 2-3 meatballs with sauce into each bun. Sprinkle generous cheese layer over meatballs.

• Bake and Finish

Slide subs into oven, baking 8-10 minutes until cheese melts and buns turn golden. Remove, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve piping hot.

Tips for Toasty Bread and Juicy Meatballs

• Prepare meatballs and sauce a day in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. This method intensifies flavors and saves precious time during meal preparation.
• Replace traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising taste or texture.
• Experiment with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a leaner or vegetarian version of these delicious mini subs. Each protein brings its unique flavor profile to the dish.
• Add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or drizzle hot sauce over the finished subs for those craving an extra kick of heat. These simple additions transform the recipe from mild to wild in seconds.
• Try different cheese varieties like provolone, mozzarella, or a blend of Italian cheeses to create your perfect melty topping. Each cheese brings a distinct richness and depth to the mini meatball subs.

Serving Subs for Lunches, Parties, or Kids

• Flavor Party Platter: Create a vibrant spread with extra marinara sauce, grated Parmesan, and fresh herbs for guests to customize their mini meatball subs.
• Family Style Feast: Arrange subs on a large wooden board with pickles, crispy salad, and tangy coleslaw for a casual, interactive meal perfect for gatherings.
• Dipping Delight: Serve with additional marinara sauce, ranch, or garlic aioli on the side, allowing everyone to add their favorite condiment and enhance the sub experience.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining meatballs into a hearty pasta topping or stuff into a crusty Italian bread for a quick next-day lunch.

Store Mini Subs Without Getting Them Soggy

• Prepare a double batch of meatballs and freeze half for quick future meals. Cool meatballs completely, then store in airtight freezer containers for up to 3 months.
• Store assembled subs in sealed containers for 23 days. Separate meatballs and buns if possible to maintain crispness and prevent soggy bread.
• Warm refrigerated meatball subs in oven at 350F for 810 minutes. Avoid microwave to keep buns crispy and prevent cheese from becoming rubbery.
• Pack meatball components separately in meal prep containers. Keep marinara sauce in small sealed compartment, meatballs in another, and toast buns right before eating to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.

Cheesy Mini Meatball Subs Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory mini meatball subs deliver an Italian-American classic in bite-sized perfection. Packed with herbed beef, melted cheese, and zesty marinara, these sliders promise a delightful flavor explosion you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 (24 oz/680 g) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
• 12 mini sub rolls, slider buns, or dinner rolls
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
• 2 tbsps butter, melted (optional)
• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Meatball Preparation: Gently combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a large mixing bowl. Delicately form mixture into compact, uniform spherical portions.
2. Meatball Cooking: Warm a skillet over medium heat with a light coating of oil. Carefully place meatballs in the pan, rotating periodically to ensure uniform browning. Cook until fully developed and golden on all surfaces, approximately 6-8 minutes. Cascade marinara sauce over meatballs and allow to simmer for 10 minutes, creating a rich, flavorful coating.
3. Bun Transformation: Activate oven to 375F (190C). Partially slice buns, maintaining structural integrity. Position in baking vessel. Optional: Enhance exterior with garlic-infused melted butter for aromatic depth.
4. Sub Assembly: Nestle 2-3 sauce-coated meatballs within each bun’s embrace. Generously crown with melted cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Final Baking: Slide into preheated oven, allowing 8-10 minutes for cheese to transform into molten perfection and buns to acquire a delicate golden crispness.
6. Presentation: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil, serving immediately to capture optimal temperature and textural excellence.

Notes

• Avoid overworking the ground meat while mixing to prevent tough, dense meatballs – use a light touch and mix just until ingredients combine.
• Add a splash of milk or water to breadcrumbs before mixing to keep meatballs extra juicy and prevent them from becoming dry during cooking.
• Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to create uniform meatballs, ensuring consistent cooking and an attractive presentation.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or use gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg