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Garlic Bread Meatball Subs
There’s something magical about the combination of savory meatballs, melted cheese, and garlic bread that just speaks to the soul. These Garlic Bread Meatball Subs transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into something extraordinary, combining two comfort food classics into one irresistible package.
Instead of serving meatballs with plain rolls, we’re elevating the experience by turning garlic bread into the vessel for these juicy, saucy meatballs. The result is a messy, delicious, utterly satisfying meal that will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This
- Double the comfort food: garlic bread AND meatball subs in one delicious meal
- Easy to customize with your favorite marinara sauce and cheese combinations
- Perfect for feeding a hungry family on busy weeknights
- Can be prepped ahead of time for even faster assembly
- Leftovers (if there are any!) reheat beautifully for lunch the next day
Ingredients
- 8 count frozen Texas Toast garlic bread
- 1 pound precooked thawed meatballs
- 1 (16 ounce) jar pasta sauce or marinara
- 8 slices mozzarella cheese
- Dried parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the garlic bread according to the directions on the box until golden brown.
- Add the cooked meatballs and sauce to a pan over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, cover with a lid and lower the heat.
- Remove the garlic bread from the oven when golden and press down the center with a spoon to form little bread bowls.
- Place 2-3 meatballs in each piece of garlic bread and top with additional sauce from the pan. Add a slice of mozzarella cheese over the top of each sub.
- Place them back in the oven for a couple more minutes to melt the cheese. Top with dried parsley to make it look fancy, then serve and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra-tender meatballs, use a mixture of ground beef and ground pork
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara for a spicy kick
- Try provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses instead of mozzarella
- Make the meatballs and sauce up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate until ready to assemble
- For a lighter version, use turkey meatballs and whole grain rolls
- Add sautéed bell peppers and onions for extra vegetables and flavor
Serving Suggestions
These hearty subs are a meal on their own, but they pair beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette. For a more substantial spread, serve alongside crispy baked zucchini fries or a cup of minestrone soup.
Don’t forget extra napkins – these delicious subs are gloriously messy to eat!
Notes
- Store leftover meatballs and sauce separately from rolls for up to 3 days in the refrigerator
- Meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C)
- For crispier garlic bread, toast the rolls separately before adding the meatballs and sauce
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs instead?
Absolutely! Use about 16 frozen fully-cooked meatballs, heated according to package directions in the marinara sauce.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs and serve on gluten-free rolls or baguettes.
Can I prepare these ahead for a party?
Yes! Make the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. When ready to serve, warm them up, prepare the garlic bread, and assemble just before serving.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Wrap loosely in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. The foil prevents the bread from drying out.
Servings4
Prep5 min
Cook20 min
Calories485 kcal
Ingredients
- 8 count frozen Texas Toast garlic bread
- 1 pound precooked thawed meatballs
- 1 (16 ounce) jar pasta sauce or marinara
- 8 slices mozzarella cheese
- Dried parsley for garnish
Steps
- Cook the garlic bread according to the directions on the box until golden brown.
- Add the cooked meatballs and sauce to a pan over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, cover with a lid and lower the heat.
- Remove the garlic bread from the oven when golden and press down the center with a spoon to form little bread bowls.
- Place 2-3 meatballs in each piece of garlic bread and top with additional sauce from the pan. Add a slice of mozzarella cheese over the top of each sub.
- Place them back in the oven for a couple more minutes to melt the cheese. Top with dried parsley to make it look fancy, then serve and enjoy!
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 485 kcal
