Mini Meatball Subs

Mini Meatball Subs are the perfect bite-sized version of a classic Italian-American favorite. These mini sandwiches are filled with juicy homemade meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese—all tucked into soft slider buns. Ideal for parties, game days, or casual dinners, they’re quick to make and even quicker to disappear.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bite-sized and perfect for sharing
• Easy to make ahead and reheat
• Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
• Customizable with your favorite meats, sauces, and cheeses
• A crowd-pleaser for any occasion

Ingredients

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

• Ground beef (or ground turkey/pork)
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Garlic, minced
• Onion, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper
• Dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Slider buns or dinner rolls
• Provolone or mozzarella cheese slices
• Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Directions

this recipe

1. Make the meatballs
   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and seasoning. Form into small 1-inch meatballs.
2. Bake the meatballs
   Place meatballs on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
3. Simmer in sauce
   Heat marinara sauce in a pan over medium heat. Add the cooked meatballs and simmer for 10 minutes to infuse flavor.
4. Prepare the buns
   Slice slider buns and place the bottoms in a baking dish. Add one meatball with a spoonful of sauce to each bun.
5. Add cheese and bake
   Top each meatball with a piece of cheese. Cover with the top bun. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and buns are lightly toasted.
6. Serve
   Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 mini subs
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Spicy: Add crushed red pepper or use spicy marinara
• Cheesy: Add more shredded cheese inside or on top
• Sweet & savory: Add a drizzle of honey on the bun before baking
• Make it vegetarian: Use plant-based meatballs or mushroom balls
• Swap the bread: Use mini baguettes, Hawaiian rolls, or even ciabatta

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftover assembled subs in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat: Bake at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions
• Freeze: Freeze cooked meatballs (without bread) for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat in sauce

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes! Just heat them in marinara until hot before assembling the subs.

Can I make these ahead?

Absolutely. Cook the meatballs and refrigerate. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.

What kind of bread works best?

Soft slider buns or dinner rolls hold everything together nicely.

What cheese should I use?

Provolone and mozzarella are great melty options, but cheddar or Swiss also work.

Can I keep them warm for a party?

Yes—keep them in a warm oven (around 200°F) or slow cooker on warm.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and slider rolls.

How do I make the meatballs extra moist?

Don’t overmix, and include the egg and breadcrumbs to bind and retain moisture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Great for a crowd—just bake in multiple batches if needed.

What side dishes pair well?

Salad, fries, chips, or veggie sticks work great.

Can I add sauce to the bread?

Yes, a light spread of marinara on the bottom bun adds extra flavor.

Conclusion

Mini Meatball Subs are a fun, flavorful, and family-friendly recipe that’s easy to love and hard to resist. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a comfort food classic, these little sandwiches deliver big-time taste in every bite.

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