Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mini Meatball Subs are a fun, satisfying twist on the classic sub sandwich—perfectly sized for parties, game day, or a casual dinner. Featuring juicy homemade meatballs, rich marinara sauce, melted cheese, and soft slider rolls, these mini sandwiches pack bold flavor into every bite. They’re easy to assemble, customizable, and crowd-pleasing.

ingredients

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

ground beef
Italian sausage
breadcrumbs
grated Parmesan cheese
garlic (minced)
egg
fresh parsley (chopped)
salt
black pepper
olive oil
marinara sauce
mozzarella cheese (shredded or sliced)
slider buns or small sub rolls
butter (optional, for toasting)

directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.

While the meatballs bake, warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes to absorb the flavor.

Lightly toast the slider buns with a bit of butter if desired.

Place 2-3 meatballs on each bun, spoon over some sauce, and top with mozzarella.

Place subs under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 mini subs.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Assembly time: 5 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Use turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage for a lighter option.
Add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a spicy kick.
Swap out mozzarella for provolone or cheddar for a flavor twist.
Top with fresh basil or arugula for a fresh finish.
Serve open-faced for a lower-carb version.

storage/reheating

Store leftover meatballs and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat meatballs in the microwave or simmer in sauce on the stove.
Toast buns and assemble just before serving for the best texture.
Meatballs can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Yes, pre-cooked frozen or fresh meatballs can be used for convenience.

What’s the best bread for mini subs?
Slider buns or small hoagie rolls work perfectly—soft yet sturdy enough to hold the filling.

Can I make them ahead of time?
You can prep the meatballs and sauce ahead, then assemble and broil just before serving.

What sauce works best?
A classic marinara or tomato basil sauce is ideal, but you can use any pasta sauce you love.

Are these freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze the meatballs (cooked) and sauce separately for quick meals later.

Can I cook the meatballs on the stove instead of baking?
Yes, just pan-fry them in a bit of oil until browned and cooked through.

Conclusion

Mini Meatball Subs are the ultimate finger food that bring together comfort and flavor in a bite-sized package. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for a cozy night in, these little sandwiches deliver big satisfaction. Give them a try and watch them disappear fast!