Looking for a quick and comforting dinner? These oven baked meatball sandwiches are the perfect answer. They’re cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor — ideal for busy weeknights or game day gatherings. Made with hearty meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella on toasted hoagie rolls, this is a crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to throw together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare with minimal prep
Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
Perfect for feeding a family or a hungry crowd
Great for meal prep or leftovers
Deliciously cheesy and full of Italian flavor

ingredients

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

Hoagie or sub rolls
Cooked meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
Marinara sauce
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise, without cutting all the way through.
Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with foil.
Spoon marinara sauce into each roll and add 3-4 meatballs per sandwich.
Add a little more marinara sauce over the meatballs.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with chopped parsley or basil before serving, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 4 sandwiches.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Use garlic bread instead of plain hoagie rolls for extra flavor
Swap marinara for a spicy arrabbiata sauce
Add sautéed onions, peppers, or mushrooms
Try provolone or cheddar cheese in place of mozzarella
Use turkey or vegetarian meatballs for a different spin

storage/reheating

Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or microwave on a microwave-safe plate until heated through. For best texture, avoid microwaving directly in the bun.

FAQs

How do I keep the sandwiches from getting soggy?

Toast the bread slightly before adding the meatballs and sauce, and don’t overload it with sauce.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sandwiches and refrigerate them unbaked. When ready to eat, bake as directed.

Can I freeze these sandwiches?

It’s best to freeze the meatballs and sauce separately. Assemble fresh when ready to eat.

What kind of meatballs should I use?

You can use beef, pork, chicken, turkey, or vegetarian meatballs, either homemade or store-bought.

What is the best bread for meatball sandwiches?

Hoagie rolls, sub rolls, or Italian sandwich rolls work best. They should be sturdy enough to hold the sauce and meatballs.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Absolutely. Choose a quality brand for the best flavor or make your own.

How do I make this spicy?

Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or use a spicy sauce like arrabbiata.

Can I add vegetables to the sandwiches?

Yes, sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms make great additions.

What cheese works best for these sandwiches?

Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, cheddar, or a cheese blend also work well.

How can I serve these at a party?

Cut them into smaller sections and secure with toothpicks for easy, handheld appetizers.

Conclusion

These oven baked meatball sandwiches are a simple yet hearty dinner option that’s always a hit. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or serving a group for a casual get-together, this recipe is easy to make and endlessly customizable. Try it out and make it your own!

Oven Baked Meatball Sandwiches Recipe