Garlic Bread Meatball Sub is a mouthwatering twist on a classic comfort food, combining rich, saucy meatballs with crispy, buttery garlic bread. Each bite delivers a burst of flavor from seasoned beef, tangy marinara, and melted cheese wrapped in a golden, garlicky crust. It’s the perfect fusion of hearty and indulgent.
Quick to prepare and sure to satisfy, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The garlic bread elevates the sub, offering a crunchy texture and bold taste that pairs perfectly with the juicy meatballs. Simple ingredients come together to create something truly crave-worthy.
This dish stands out not only for its flavor but also for its ease and versatility. You can customize it with different cheeses or add veggies for extra nutrition. Whether served alone or with a side salad, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Garlic Bread Meatball Sub Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 stick 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh oregano finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt to taste
- 7 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium onion diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 pounds 90% lean ground beef
- 1 large egg
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- One 24-inch loaf of Italian or Portuguese-style soft bread about 10 ounces, or two 9-inch sub rolls
- Two 10-ounce packages of thinly sliced provolone cheese
- 1 jar 32 ounces marinara sauce, heated
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Position the oven racks in the upper and lower thirds and preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter
- In a food processor, combine:
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- Half of the parsley
- Half of the oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Grate 5 cloves of garlic into the mixture and blend until smooth.
- Set the garlic butter aside.
Step 3: Cook the Onion and Garlic Mixture
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 chopped onion and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook and stir for about 4 minutes until the onions soften.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Grate in the remaining 2 garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Meat Mixture
- Once the onion mixture has cooled, add the following to the bowl:
- Ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- Remaining parsley
- Remaining oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper to taste
- Mix everything together using your hands and set aside.
Step 5: Prepare the Bread
- Slice the bread in half lengthwise.
- Spread the prepared garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of each bread half.
Step 6: Assemble the Stuffed Bread
- Using a 2-ounce ice cream scoop, drop portions of the meat mixture along the center of each bread half.
- Press the meat mixture down with the back of the scoop, leaving about a 1/4-inch border of bread on the edges.
- Cut the stuffed bread into 4 equal pieces by slicing each half crosswise.
Step 7: Bake the Stuffed Bread
- Arrange the stuffed bread pieces on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the garlic bread is golden brown with crispy edges.
Step 8: Add Cheese
- After removing the bread from the oven, layer slices of provolone cheese over the meat.
- Return the bread to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Step 9: Serve
- Remove the stuffed garlic bread from the oven and spoon about 1/4 cup of marinara sauce over each piece.
- Slice into 2-inch pieces and serve immediately, with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
