Mini Meatball Subs are the kind of crowd-pleasing, comfort-filled treat that disappears in minutes at any gathering or weeknight dinner. Imagine pillowy-soft slider buns cradling juicy, herbed meatballs, all snuggled up with rich marinara and a gooey blanket of melted mozzarella—these little subs pack massive flavor into every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or bringing a platter to a party, these subs come together in about half an hour, and they’ll make everyone swoon. You’ll keep coming back to this easy, versatile recipe whenever you want a meal that feels both playful and satisfying!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of straightforward ingredients to whip up these irresistible Mini Meatball Subs. Each one brings something special, whether it’s flavor, texture, or that essential melty cheese factor—here’s how they all come together to make this dish irresistible.
- Ground beef: Rich and flavorful, it forms the hearty base for every tender mini meatball.
- Breadcrumbs: These help soak up all those savory juices and keep the meatballs super moist.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds salty depth and a subtle nuttiness you’ll love in every bite.
- Egg: Acts as the glue and helps bind everything together so your meatballs hold their shape.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic punches up the flavor, bringing a gentle aromatic zing.
- Dried Italian seasoning: Infuses each meatball with classic herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the other flavors forward.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and just a hint of kick.
- Olive oil: Used to brown the meatballs, creating delicious crispy edges.
- Marinara sauce: Bathe the meatballs in sauce for a luscious, tangy coating.
- Mini sub rolls or slider buns: These mini rolls are soft yet sturdy, perfect for handheld subs.
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts dreamy and gooey on top, bringing everything together.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh burst of green and a bright flavor pop.
How to Make Mini Meatball Subs
Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture
Start off by combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. You want to mix everything just until it comes together—over-mixing can make the meatballs dense, so use a gentle hand. This is your chance to get all those herbs and flavors perfectly blended throughout.
Step 2: Shape the Mini Meatballs
Once your mixture is combined, scoop out small portions (about a tablespoon each) and roll them into meatballs no bigger than an inch wide. You should get around 24 little meatballs—perfect for 12 Mini Meatball Subs, two per bun. If you like your subs extra meaty, go ahead and make them a touch bigger!
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
Pour a bit of olive oil into a large skillet and warm it up over medium heat. Add your meatballs in a single layer (work in batches if you need to) and cook, turning occasionally, until they’re beautifully browned on all sides. This usually takes 5 to 7 minutes and adds a deep, savory crust that really takes them to the next level.
Step 4: Simmer in Marinara Sauce
After all your meatballs are browned, gently pour in the marinara sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly and the meatballs will soak up even more flavor, becoming ultra-juicy and tender. Your kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing!
Step 5: Build and Bake the Mini Meatball Subs
While your meatballs are simmering away, preheat your oven to 375°F. Arrange the bottom halves of your mini rolls on a baking sheet. Nestle 2 or 3 meatballs (plus a generous spoonful of sauce) into each roll, then top with a hefty sprinkling of shredded mozzarella. Close them up with the roll tops and slide the tray into the oven for 5 to 7 minutes—just until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the buns get a little toasty around the edges.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
As soon as the subs come out of the oven, shower them with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your Mini Meatball Subs piping hot—they’re best enjoyed while the cheese is still gooey and the sauce is gently steaming.
How to Serve Mini Meatball Subs
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is the classic finish for Mini Meatball Subs, adding a bright contrast to the hearty, rich flavors. For something extra-special, try a dusting of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your Mini Meatball Subs with crispy baked French fries, a simple mixed green salad, or even some roasted veggies to round out the meal. They’re also amazing alongside a tangy coleslaw or a platter of crunchy pickles for a tasty contrast in textures.
Creative Ways to Present
At parties, try serving Mini Meatball Subs deconstructed: pile the meatballs and sauce in a slow cooker, provide rolls and cheese on the side, and let people build their own. For game day, skewer them on picks and set out a variety of dipping sauces so everyone can sample and snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mini Meatball Subs keep surprisingly well! Wrap any extras tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the rolls and meatballs separate if you know you’ll be saving a batch.
Freezing
You can easily freeze the cooked meatballs (with or without sauce) for future Mini Meatball Subs cravings—just let them cool, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. The meatballs will last up to 2 months, making last-minute appetizers or lunches a breeze!
Reheating
When you’re ready to reheat, simply warm the meatballs and sauce together on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot throughout, then assemble into fresh rolls and bake until cheesy and melty. If your subs are already put together, wrap them in foil and bake at 350°F until hot and gooey.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken make lighter, just-as-tasty Mini Meatball Subs. You may need to watch the cook time, as leaner meats can dry out a bit faster, but the finishing step with marinara sauce keeps everything juicy.
What’s the best way to keep them warm at a party?
After baking, arrange the Mini Meatball Subs in a large baking dish and cover loosely with foil. Keep them in a warm (not hot) oven set at about 200°F until guests are ready to dig in. You can also keep just the meatballs and sauce warm in a slow cooker and build the subs as needed.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and brown the mini meatballs a day in advance, storing them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simmer them in marinara and assemble the subs right before baking. This makes party prep super easy.
Are these Mini Meatball Subs good for kids?
Kids absolutely love them! The small size is perfect for little hands, and the cheesy, saucy meatballs are always a hit. They’re also free of nuts, making them a safe option for most school lunches and gatherings.
What kind of rolls are best?
Look for soft, sturdy slider buns or mini sub rolls that hold up to saucy fillings without getting soggy. Brioche-style rolls work wonderfully for a slightly sweet finish, while classic Italian dinner rolls are great for a more traditional bite.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a fun, flavorful meal that brings people together, these Mini Meatball Subs absolutely deliver. Whether you serve them as party bites or a quick family dinner, they’re sure to earn a spot in your regular recipe rotation. Gather your ingredients—you’ll be amazed how easy and delicious homemade Mini Meatball Subs can be!
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Mini Meatball Subs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini subs
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Mini Meatball Subs are perfect for parties or a quick weeknight meal. Tender meatballs smothered in marinara sauce, topped with melted cheese, and served in mini sub rolls – a delicious twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Meatballs:
1 pound ground beef, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper,
Other:
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce, 12 mini sub rolls or slider buns, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Form into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5–7 minutes.
- Pour in the marinara sauce, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Place the bottom halves of the mini rolls on a baking sheet. Spoon 2–3 meatballs with sauce into each roll, then top with shredded mozzarella.
- Add the roll tops and bake for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are slightly toasted.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- These also work great as appetizers using toothpicks instead of buns.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini sub
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
