Quick And Easy Meatball Sandwich – A Comfort Classic You’ll Crave

Warm, saucy, and packed with flavor, the meatball sandwich is a hearty comfort food that never goes out of style. Whether you’re preparing a family lunch, game-day meal, or cozy weeknight dinner, this sandwich delivers big taste in every bite. With soft bread, savory homemade meatballs, gooey cheese, and rich tomato sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly what a meatball sandwich is, why it’s so beloved, variations to try, and of course, a step-by-step recipe. Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to this Italian-American favorite.

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What Is a Meatball Sandwich?

A meatball sandwich—sometimes called a meatball sub—is a sandwich made by stuffing juicy, seasoned meatballs into a toasted sub or baguette. It’s typically layered with marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese like mozzarella or provolone.

This dish is believed to have originated in Italian-American communities and has become a staple in delis, diners, and home kitchens across the U.S.

Why You’ll Love It

There’s so much to love about this comforting classic:

Rich, bold flavor: From seasoned meatballs to zesty tomato sauce and melty cheese.
Satisfying texture: Crunchy toasted bread meets tender meatballs and gooey cheese.
Customizable: Make it spicy, cheesy, or even meat-free—it’s up to you!
Family-friendly: A hit with both kids and adults.

Meatball Sandwich Variations

There’s no one right way to enjoy a meatball sandwich. Try these twists:

Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper or jalapeños to the sauce.
Cheesy Overload: Mix mozzarella with provolone or Parmesan.
Meatless Version: Use plant-based meatballs and dairy-free cheese.
Italian Hero Style: Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your meatball sandwich with:

A side of crispy fries or potato wedges
A simple Caesar or Italian salad
Garlic bread for extra indulgence
A cold drink like iced tea or soda

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Ingredients

(Yields 4 Sandwiches)

For the Meatballs:

1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
¾ cup bread crumbs
1 large egg, beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning

For the Sauce:

1/3 cup (76ml) olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes with basil
1½ teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

For the Subs:

1 French baguette (or 4 sub rolls)
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 pinch salt
4 slices provolone cheese

How to Make Meatball Sandwich

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a bowl, combine ground meat, bread crumbs, egg, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, and Italian seasoning. Mix with your hands until well combined. Shape mixture into 12-16 meatballs, and place in a baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

Bake meatballs in the preheated oven until cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 20 minutes, then stir in chopped basil.

Step 4: Toast the Bread

While the meatballs are cooking, cut baguette in half lengthwise and open like a book.
Remove and discard some of the bread from the inside to make a well for the meatballs.
Brush baguette with olive oil and season with garlic powder and salt. Place baguette on a baking tray, open and with the oiled sides facing up.
When the meatballs have 5 minutes left, slip the baguette into the oven and cook until lightly toasted.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches

Remove meatballs from the oven. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to the hot sauce, mix gently to coat with sauce.
Spoon meatballs and sauce into one side of the baguette, nestling meatballs in the well. Top with slices of provolone cheese.
Return to the oven until cheese is melted, 2 to 3 minutes.
Cool slightly, then cut into 4 sandwiches.

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Make Ahead & Storage Tips

Make Ahead: You can prep the meatballs and sauce a day ahead and store them in the fridge.
To Freeze: Store cooked meatballs in sauce in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Leftovers: Wrap assembled sandwiches tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in oven or air fryer for best results.

Nutrition per Serving

Calories: 781
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Carbohydrate: 78g
Cholesterol: 141mg
Fiber: 6g
Sugars: 13g
Protein: 44g
Sodium: 1473mg
Potassium: 780mg
Calcium: 371mg
Iron: 8mg

Note: Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Final Thoughts

Whether you’re making lunch for the family or prepping for a casual gathering, the homemade meatball sandwich is a guaranteed win. It combines rich flavors, satisfying textures, and is surprisingly easy to make from scratch.
Don’t forget to check out our recommended kitchen tools and recipes on our website, myhomewish.com, to streamline prep and elevate your cooking game.