White Sauce Meatball Sandwich

Meatball Subs Recipe Ingredients

A full recipe card, including exact ingredient amounts, appears at the bottom of this post.

• meat – I like to use a combination of ground beef and ground pork, but you can use all one or the other.
• eggs – the binder that helps hold the meatballs together.
• Italian breadcrumbs – keeps the meatballs tender and adds a subtle herby flavor.
• Worcestershire sauce – adds depth of flavor to this meatball subs recipe.
• salt and pepper – for seasoning the meatballs and the sauce.
• vegetable oil – for browning the meatballs.
• butter – for sauteeing the garlic to start the sauce.
• garlic – infuses the sauce with savory flavor.
• flour – thickens the sauce.
• white wine – adds acidity to the sauce. I recommend Pinot Grigio here.
• heavy cream – the rich backbone of the sauce that will coat the meatballs.
• red pepper flakes – adds a hint of heat to this meatball sandwich recipe.
• lemon juice – adds a tangy note that cuts through the richness of the cream.
• hoagie rolls – the bread vehicle for the meatballs.
• basil pesto – for spreading inside the rolls for another layer of flavor. Use our recipe for pesto sauce, or buy a tub of it at the store.
• parsley – adds a fresh, herby note and a pop of color.
• Parmesan cheese – finishes the meatball hoagie with a salty, nutty flourish.

How To Make A Meatball Sub Without Marinara

1. MIX. In a large bowl, beat the egg, then add the beef, pork, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce and salt and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined.

2. ROLL. Form the meat mixture into golf-ball sized meatballs.

3. SPREAD. Spread the inside of the hoagie rolls with pesto and place them on a rimmed baking pan.

4. BROWN. In batches, brown the meatballs in a bit of vegetable oil in a large skillet. Transfer the meatballs to a plate.

5. SAUCE. Add the butter and the garlic to the skillet. Whisk in the flour, then whisk in the wine. Add the cream, red pepper flakes and remaining salt and pepper and simmer until the sauce reduces by half

6. FINISH COOKING. Add the meatballs to the sauce and transfer to the oven to bake until the meatballs are cooked through. Put the buns in the oven to toast during the meatball cooking time.

7. SERVE. Stir the lemon juice into the meatball mixture. Serve the meatballs in hoagie rolls, garnished with Parmesan cheese and parsley. Serve with any extra sauce for dipping.

Meatball Hoagie Variations

• SPICY – Kick it up by adding extra red pepper flakes.
• CHEESY – Add a layer of fresh mozzarella or provolone cheese slices to the bottom of the hoagie buns before adding the meatballs for a decadent delight.
• VEGETARIAN – Make this with plant-based meatballs. Omit the Worcestershire sauce and use a vegetarian Parmesan cheese.

What To Serve With Meatball Subs

Pair this meatball sandwich recipe with simple sides that won’t overwhelm the rich flavors going on in the sandwich. Some great options include:

• A crisp green salad with Italian salad dressing.
• Oven baked fries for a crunchy, savory side.
• Roasted vegetables, like lemon Parmesan broccoli or balsamic asparagus.

‌Meatball Sub Toppings

Looking to add another layer of goodness to this meatball subs recipe? Here are a few topping ideas:

• Fresh arugula for a peppery bite.
• Sautéed onions and bell peppers for a sweet and savory addition.
• A drizzle of balsamic glaze for a hint of sweetness.

How To Store Leftovers

If you have leftover meatballs, transfer them to a storage container and place them in the fridge uncovered for a few hours until they are fully chilled, then cover them with the lid and keep in the refrigerator up to 3 days.

Reheating A Meatball Sub Without Tomato Sauce

Reheat leftover meatballs in a baking dish in a 350 degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until warmed through, then build a new meatball sandwich with them.