Print

Easy Make-Ahead Meatball Subs Recipe for a Crowd That Impresses

easy make-ahead meatball subs - featured image
Print Recipe

This easy make-ahead meatball subs recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal stress. Juicy meatballs soak in rich tomato sauce overnight, then are assembled with melty cheese in soft hoagie rolls for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80% lean)
  • ½ pound ground pork (optional)
  • 1 cup Italian style breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried Italian herbs)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes (San Marzano recommended)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ½ cup red wine (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of sugar
  • 6 to 8 hoagie rolls or sub buns
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix gently but thoroughly.
  3. Roll mixture into 1 ½-inch balls and place on baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
  4. Bake meatballs for 18-20 minutes until browned and cooked through (internal temp 160°F).
  5. While meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  6. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red wine (if using), salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer gently on low heat.
  7. Transfer baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for at least 15 minutes to absorb flavors.
  8. Slice rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Spoon meatballs and sauce evenly into each roll, then top with shredded mozzarella.
  9. Warm assembled subs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts and rolls are lightly toasted.
  10. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot.

Notes

Prepare meatballs and sauce up to simmering step a day ahead and refrigerate overnight to deepen flavors and reduce party day stress. Avoid overcrowding baking sheet to get a nice brown crust on meatballs. For cheesier subs, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top of mozzarella before melting. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and rolls for gluten-free version. Ground turkey and part-skim mozzarella can lighten the recipe.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball subs, make-ahead meatballs, easy meatball recipe, crowd-pleaser, Italian sandwiches, party food, comfort food

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/easy-make-ahead-meatball-subs-recipe-for-a-crowd-that-impresses/