Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mini Meatball Subs are the perfect bite-sized comfort food—packed with tender meatballs, melty cheese, and rich marinara sauce, all tucked into toasted mini rolls. They’re quick to make, kid-friendly, and ideal for parties, game day, or a fun weeknight dinner everyone will love.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
frozen or homemade meatballs
marinara or pasta sauce
mini sub rolls, slider buns, or dinner rolls
mozzarella or provolone cheese (sliced or shredded)
parmesan cheese (optional)
butter
garlic powder
Italian seasoning
fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
directions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat meatballs in marinara sauce on the stovetop until warmed through.
Slice rolls and place open-faced on a baking sheet. Lightly brush the insides with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
Toast rolls in the oven for 4–5 minutes until slightly crisp.
Place 2–3 meatballs with sauce into each roll.
Top with mozzarella or provolone and a sprinkle of parmesan if desired.
Return to the oven and bake for 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 8–10 mini subs.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes
Variations
Use turkey or plant-based meatballs for a lighter option.
Add sautéed onions or peppers for extra flavor.
Top with spicy marinara or a drizzle of pesto.
Serve on Hawaiian rolls for a sweet-savory twist.
Turn them into baked sliders by arranging in a baking dish and covering with cheese.
storage/reheating
Store leftover subs wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the bread crispy.
Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce separately for easy assembly later.
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, just heat them fully in sauce before assembling.
What rolls work best?
Mini sub rolls, slider buns, or any small soft rolls are perfect.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate—bake when ready to serve.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely—try provolone, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a kick.
Are these good for parties?
Yes, they’re ideal for serving a crowd—easy to grab and full of flavor.
Conclusion
Mini Meatball Subs are cheesy, saucy, and perfectly portioned for sharing or snacking. Whether you serve them for a casual meal or as a party favorite, they deliver classic Italian-American comfort in a fun, delicious handheld bite.
Print
Mini Meatball Subs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 mini subs
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Mini Meatball Subs are packed with tender meatballs, zesty marinara, and melty mozzarella, all tucked into toasted slider buns or small rolls. They’re quick to make, full of flavor, and the perfect crowd-pleasing finger food or easy dinner the whole family will love!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
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1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
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1/3 cup breadcrumbs
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 egg
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
Other Ingredients:
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1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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8-10 slider buns or small sub rolls
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1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
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2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1 tbsp chopped parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Make the meatballs:
In a large bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until just combined. Roll into small meatballs (about 1 tablespoon each). -
Cook the meatballs:
In a large skillet, cook meatballs over medium heat for 7–8 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through. Add marinara sauce to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes, until the meatballs are well coated and heated through. -
Assemble the subs:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice each slider bun and place on a baking sheet. Spoon 2–3 meatballs with sauce onto each bun. Sprinkle with shredded cheese. -
Bake and toast:
In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder. Brush over the tops of the buns. Bake uncovered for 8–10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and buns are golden.
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Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm with extra sauce on the side!
Notes
Make the meatballs ahead and freeze for quicker prep.
Swap in turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Want a kick? Add red pepper flakes to the meatballs or sauce.
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