Why You’ll Love Subway Meatball Sub Copycat Recipe

I love how quick this recipe is to make, especially on busy days when I want something hearty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. I only need a handful of ingredients, and everything comes together in about 10 minutes.

I also enjoy how customizable it is. I can use homemade or frozen meatballs, adjust the amount of marinara sauce, or switch up the rolls depending on what I have on hand. The melted mozzarella paired with the warm meatballs and sauce makes every bite rich and satisfying.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

1 cup marinara sauce or as needed
8-10 meatballs cooked
2 8-inch buns
4 slices mozzarella cheese

Directions

I start by preheating my oven to 350°F and lining a small baking sheet with parchment paper.

If I want extra saucy sandwiches, I place the cooked meatballs into a small bowl and mix them with some of the marinara sauce before assembling.

To assemble, I spread marinara sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Then I add the meatballs evenly between the two buns and top them with slices of mozzarella cheese.

I place the sandwiches on the prepared baking sheet and bake them for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Once done, I remove them from the oven and serve them warm.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 2 servings.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Each serving contains approximately 520 calories.

Variations

I sometimes use frozen meatballs for convenience. I thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and heat them before assembling the sandwiches.

When I want smaller portions, I switch the 8-inch buns for Kaiser rolls or even hot dog rolls. I have also experimented with adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a dash of Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

If I feel like adding more texture, I toast the buns lightly before assembling the sandwiches.

Storage/Reheating

I prefer to enjoy these sandwiches fresh, but if I have leftovers, I store the meatballs and sauce separately from the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When reheating, I warm the meatballs and sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave, then assemble the sandwich with fresh bread and cheese before baking briefly to melt the cheese.

I avoid freezing fully assembled sandwiches because I find that the bread does not freeze or reheat well.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, I often use frozen meatballs for convenience. I make sure to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and heat them before assembling the sandwiches.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

I can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. I prefer assembling and baking the sandwiches just before serving.

What type of bread works best?

I like using 8-inch sub buns, but I also use Kaiser rolls or hot dog rolls when I want a different size or texture.

Can I add other cheeses?

I sometimes add Parmesan or provolone along with mozzarella for extra flavor and creaminess.

How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?

I avoid overloading the bread with too much sauce and assemble the sandwich just before baking to help keep the bread from becoming too soft.

Can I toast the bread first?

Yes, I occasionally toast the buns lightly before adding the sauce and meatballs for a bit of extra texture.

How do I make it spicier?

I like adding red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or using spicy meatballs when I want a kick.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

I find this recipe very kid-friendly because of the simple flavors and melty cheese.

Can I use homemade marinara sauce?

Absolutely. I enjoy using homemade marinara when I have it available, and it makes the sandwiches even more flavorful.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, I simply double all the ingredients and use a larger baking sheet if I am serving more people.

Conclusion

I love how easy and satisfying this Subway Meatball Sub copycat recipe is. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, I can create a warm, cheesy, and comforting sandwich right at home. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or whenever I’m craving a classic meatball sub.