Oven Baked Meatball Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food—warm, cheesy, and full of savory flavors. Soft hoagie rolls stuffed with juicy meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted cheese are baked to perfection, making them an irresistible meal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Combines classic Italian flavors in a fun, handheld form.
- Customizable with your favorite cheeses and toppings.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Hoagie rolls
- Meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
- Marinara sauce
Find the full list of ingredients and measurements below!
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
If making from scratch, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Roll into small balls and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes or until cooked through. Store-bought meatballs are a great time-saver too.
Step 2: Toast the Hoagie Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise but don’t cut all the way through. Lightly toast them in the oven for 5 minutes to prevent sogginess when adding the sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
Place a layer of marinara sauce inside each hoagie roll. Add 3–4 meatballs, then top with more marinara sauce. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Bake the Sandwiches
Arrange the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet. Cover loosely with foil to prevent the tops from burning, and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve your sandwiches warm with a side of chips or salad.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Prevent soggy bread: Toasting the rolls lightly before assembling helps them hold up under the sauce.
- Use quality marinara: A good marinara sauce makes all the difference—choose one with robust flavor.
- Make-ahead option: Prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance for a quicker assembly.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Use garlic bread instead of hoagie rolls for extra flavor.
- Substitute provolone or cheddar for mozzarella for a different cheesy twist.
- Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sandwiches for added texture and flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These sandwiches pair beautifully with a fresh Caesar salad, crispy French fries, or roasted vegetables. For drinks, a cold soda, iced tea, or a light red wine like Chianti works perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 10–12 minutes to revive the crispy bread and melty cheese.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just heat them according to package instructions before assembling the sandwiches.
Q2: Can I freeze the sandwiches?
Yes, assemble them without baking, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to three months. Bake directly from frozen at 350°F for 30–35 minutes.
Q3: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free hoagie rolls and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
Q4: How can I make these sandwiches spicier?
Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the marinara or use spicy Italian sausage in the meatballs.
Conclusion
Oven Baked Meatball Sandwiches are a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy all the deliciousness of Italian cuisine in a handheld meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend get-togethers, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and watch these sandwiches disappear in no time!
Print
Oven Baked Meatball Sandwiches
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Description
These Oven Baked Meatball Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food, featuring crusty rolls stuffed with juicy meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for a quick family dinner or a game-day treat!
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- For the Sandwiches:
- 4-6 sub rolls or hoagie buns
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted (optional, for brushing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the rolls lengthwise, but not all the way through, and arrange them on a baking dish or sheet.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce inside each roll, place 3–4 meatballs in each, and top with more marinara sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs and add Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Bake the Sandwiches:
- Bake the assembled sandwiches for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
- Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter for added flavor.
- Serve:
- Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Add sautéed onions, peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- For a crispy crust, toast the rolls lightly before assembling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg