Oven Baked Meatball Sandwiches Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Oven Baked Meatball Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food—warm, cheesy, hearty, and packed with flavor. They combine tender meatballs, zesty marinara sauce, and melted cheese all tucked inside toasty sub rolls. Perfect for a quick family dinner, game day, or anytime you’re craving a satisfying sandwich with minimal prep.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

sub sandwich rollsmeatballsmarinara saucemozzarella cheeseshredded parmesan cheesegarlic butteritalian seasoningsaltpepperfresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with foil or parchment paper.

Slice the sub rolls lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through.

Spread a layer of garlic butter inside each roll and toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes until slightly crisp.

Warm the meatballs and marinara sauce together in a pan until heated through.

Spoon 3–4 meatballs into each toasted roll, followed by a generous spoonful of marinara sauce.

Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the meatballs.

Place the loaded sandwiches in the prepared baking dish and bake uncovered for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Remove from the oven and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and fresh parsley if desired.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 sandwiches.Preparation time: 10 minutesBaking time: 10–12 minutesTotal time: 20–25 minutes

Variations

Use spicy Italian sausage meatballs for an extra kick.

Swap marinara with Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist.

Add sautéed bell peppers and onions for a Philly-style upgrade.

Use provolone or cheddar instead of mozzarella for a different flavor.

Make mini sliders using dinner rolls for party appetizers.

storage/reheating

Wrap leftover sandwiches individually in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through.You can also freeze assembled (but unbaked) sandwiches for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, covered with foil, at 375°F for about 25 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, just thaw and heat them with marinara before assembling the sandwiches.

Do I have to toast the bread first?

Toasting helps prevent soggy sandwiches and adds a delicious crunch.

What’s the best bread for these sandwiches?

Sub rolls, hoagie rolls, or any sturdy sandwich bread will work well.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, sautéed mushrooms, onions, and peppers make great additions.

How can I make them spicy?

Add red pepper flakes to the marinara or use spicy meatballs.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the cheesy, saucy combo.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the sandwiches, refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

What cheeses melt best?

Mozzarella, provolone, and Monterey Jack are all great melting cheeses.

Can I use homemade meatballs?

Definitely—homemade meatballs make the sandwiches even more flavorful.

Do I need to cover them while baking?

No, baking uncovered helps the cheese melt and brown nicely.

Conclusion

Oven Baked Meatball Sandwiches are a simple yet satisfying way to bring bold, comforting flavors to your table. Whether you use store-bought or homemade ingredients, they’re quick to assemble and always a crowd-pleaser. Make them once, and you’ll find yourself craving these cheesy, saucy delights over and over again.

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