The Best Meatball Sub Recipe for a Crowd

why make this recipe

This meatball sub feeds a crowd and stays easy to make. You cook many meatballs at once. You make sauce and bake the subs together. This recipe saves time and feeds a group with a warm, filling meal.

introduction

This recipe gives simple steps to make hot meatball subs for many people. You can make meatballs ahead and warm them on serving day. For a quick bread side, try our best sourdough discard recipes which pair well with sandwiches.

how to make The Best Meatball Sub Recipe for a Crowd

Make the meatballs, make the sauce, and bake the assembled subs. Work in steps: mix, roll, brown, simmer, fill, and bake. Use a large pan and big baking trays. Keep times short by making many meatballs at once.

Ingredients :

• 5 pounds ground beef (or half beef, half pork)
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tbsp dried)
• 4 tsp salt
• 2 tsp black pepper
• 4 tsp garlic powder (or 6 cloves minced)
• 2 large jars (about 8 cups) marinara sauce
• 12 long sandwich rolls (hoagie or sub rolls)
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning)

Directions :

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a big bowl, mix breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, cheese, parsley, salt, pepper, and garlic.
3. Add the ground meat. Mix with your hands until just combined.
4. Roll meat into 2-inch balls. You should get about 48 meatballs.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches, 2–3 minutes per side. They do not need to be fully cooked.
6. Put browned meatballs in a large pot. Pour marinara sauce over them. Bring to a low boil, then lower heat and simmer 15–20 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.
7. Slice rolls open but keep them attached on one side. Place rolls on baking sheets.
8. Spoon 3–4 meatballs and sauce into each roll. Top with shredded mozzarella.
9. Bake 8–10 minutes in the oven until cheese melts and rolls are warm.
10. Serve hot.

how to serve The Best Meatball Sub Recipe for a Crowd

Serve warm on a large tray. Let people pick a sandwich or set them on plates. Add simple sides like salad, chips, or roasted vegetables. Offer extra sauce and grated cheese at the table.

how to store The Best Meatball Sub Recipe for a Crowd

• Refrigerate: Store meatballs and sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze meatballs and sauce up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Assembled subs: Keep wrapped in foil and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.

tips to make The Best Meatball Sub Recipe for a Crowd

• Use a cookie scoop to make meatballs the same size.
• Do not overmix the meat. Mix until just combined.
• Brown meatballs in batches so the pan stays hot and they get color.
• Keep sauce warm on low heat while you assemble.
• For less mess, warm rolls briefly before filling.

variation (if any)

• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Cheese: Use provolone or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar.
• Meat mix: Use half beef, half pork, or ground turkey for lighter subs.
• Vegetarian: Use large store-bought meatless balls and a rich marinara.

FAQs

Q: Can I make meatballs a day ahead?
A: Yes. Make meatballs and sauce a day before. Cool, store in the fridge, and reheat before assembling.

Q: How many meatballs per person?
A: Plan 3–4 meatballs per sandwich. For big eaters give 4–5 meatballs.

Q: Can I cook meatballs in the oven instead of browning?
A: Yes. Bake meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes until cooked through, then add to sauce.

Q: Can I use frozen meatballs?
A: Yes. Thaw and heat frozen meatballs in sauce, or add frozen meatballs directly to simmering sauce and cook until heated through.

Best Meatball Sub Recipe for a Crowd

• Author: arianarecipes
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 70 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: None

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Description

A crowd-pleasing meatball sub recipe that is easy to prepare and bake, perfect for feeding a group.

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Ingredients

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• 5 pounds ground beef (or half beef, half pork)
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tbsp dried)
• 4 tsp salt
• 2 tsp black pepper
• 4 tsp garlic powder (or 6 cloves minced)
• 2 large jars (about 8 cups) marinara sauce
• 12 long sandwich rolls (hoagie or sub rolls)
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a big bowl, mix breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, cheese, parsley, salt, pepper, and garlic.
3. Add the ground meat and mix with your hands until just combined.
4. Roll meat into 2-inch balls, about 48 meatballs.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and brown meatballs in batches, 2–3 minutes per side.
6. Put browned meatballs in a large pot, pour marinara sauce over them, bring to a low boil, then lower heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until cooked through.
7. Slice rolls open but keep them attached on one side and place on baking sheets.
8. Spoon 3–4 meatballs and sauce into each roll, then top with shredded mozzarella.
9. Bake for 8–10 minutes until cheese melts and rolls are warm.
10. Serve hot.

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Notes

You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and reheat them on the serving day. For added flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce for spice.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sandwich
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 120mg