15 Best Meatballs Subs You Should Try

The Spicy Meatball Sub is a spicy take on the classic meatball sub. This sandwich is especially popular among people who prefer a certain spice kick in their food. The bold flavors of the marinara sauce are further enhanced by the addition of some spices.

At the heart of the Spicy Meatball Sub are juicy meatballs made from a blend of ground beef, pork, and flavorful spices. These meatballs are generously seasoned with red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and other fiery ingredients, elevating the sandwich to a whole new level of spiciness. The heat from the spices is perfectly balanced with the rich and tangy marinara sauce and melty cheese on top.

The next meatball sub on this list is the one prepared with smoky barbecue sauce. In this dish, the succulent meatballs drenched in rich, smoky barbecue sauce are nestled in a soft, crusty roll. Once cooked, the meatballs are bathed in a luscious barbecue sauce. This sauce, with its sweet, tangy, and smoky notes, adds a delightful depth of flavor to the meatballs.

The meatballs are then placed in a fresh, crusty sub roll or baguette, which provides a satisfying textural contrast. To elevate the flavor and texture further, you can add toppings like melted cheese, crispy onions, coleslaw, or pickles.

The Buffalo sauce is a combination of hot sauce, melted butter, and various seasonings. This sauce is typically associated with Buffalo chicken wings but its popularity has made it a preferred sauce in many other recipes. In the meatballs, the sauce adds bold and tangy flavors. To complement the meatballs as well as the sauce, a blue cheese dressing is added. This dressing is the perfect cooling counterpart to the heat of the Buffalo sauce.

Served in a toasted sub roll, the Buffalo Meatball Sub offers a perfect blend of tastes. This sandwich is a fusion of comfort food and bold flavors, making it a favorite for those who crave a little spice and a lot of flavor in their meals.

The Italian Meatball Sub is the traditional sub made with meatballs seasoned with Italian herbs and spices along with Parmesan cheese and tangy marinara sauce. Each element of the dish has influences from the Italian cuisine. Families have passed down recipes for generations, and it has found its way onto the menus of Italian-American restaurants across the United States.

While the classic version is a timeless favorite, there are numerous ways to customize it. Some may choose to add sautéed bell peppers and onions for a touch of sweetness and crunch. Others might introduce a spicy kick with pickled jalapeños or red pepper flakes. It can be enjoyed as a smaller slider or in a supersized sub, catering to varying appetites.

This variation of the classic sub is similar to the traditional Italian sub but what is different is the layer of mozzarella or provolone cheese on top. For more texture, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese is also further added to the sandwich. The Parmesan on top of the sub complements the parmesan present in the meatball to create a crunchy and cheesy texture. The cheese also helps to cut down on the spice in the marinara sauce if you are not a fan of the spice.

Whether enjoyed in the heart of Little Italy or prepared at home, the Meatball Parmesan Sub continues to bring joy and satisfaction to those who savor its sumptuous flavors.

Teriyaki, a beloved Japanese cooking technique, involves grilling or broiling meats, and then coating them with a sweet and savory glaze made from soy sauce, sake, and sugar. This flavorful combination is often associated with dishes like teriyaki chicken, but it shines in the Teriyaki Meatball Sub as well. This sub boasts plump, juicy meatballs drenched in a luscious teriyaki sauce, creating a burst of umami flavor with each bite.

Even though most of the components of this sub are the same, what is different is the teriyaki flavor instead of the classic marinara. It is prepared with salty and sweet ingredients commonly used in Asian cuisine. This is quite different from the tangy marinara sauce. If you like you can also add some roasted sesame seeds for a nutty flavor. To complement the sauce further, toppings like sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, or thinly sliced red cabbage are commonly used.

The Bacon-Wrapped Meatball Sub is a testament to the culinary spirit of pushing boundaries and defying norms. It begins with the classic Italian meatball, typically a mixture of ground beef and pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and an array of herbs and spices. These flavorful orbs are then enveloped in strips of smoky, crispy bacon, which adds a layer of depth to the dish. The bacon not only provides a rich, salty contrast to the meatballs but also helps to lock in their juiciness during the cooking process.

So, if you like bacon in your sandwich, this might just become your favorite meatball sub recipe.

The next fusion sandwich on this list is the Mediterranean meatball sub. It takes you on a journey to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean with spices and flavors not commonly associated with a meatball sub. The meatballs are cooked in Mediterranean spices like cumin and paprika. Similarly, the toppings used are also quite specific to a particular cuisine.

Common toppings include ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, red onions, kalamata olives, and feta cheese. These add freshness, crunch, and a hint of brininess along with the essence of Mediterranean flavors. A generous drizzle of tzatziki sauce or a dollop of hummus ties all the components together to make it an experience.

This sub is a twist on the iconic Philadelphia sandwich, the Philly Cheesesteak. This sandwich has it all; the classic flavors of the cheesesteak with a unique and satisfying meatball format.

What makes this creation distinctly "Philly" is the addition of sautéed bell peppers and onions, often referred to as the "Philly trio." These veggies are a hallmark of the classic cheesesteak and add a delightful crunch and sweetness to the sub. But the real magic happens when the meatballs, the Philly trio, and slices of provolone or American cheese are assembled in a warm sub roll. The meatballs are smothered in the sautéed peppers and onions and then generously topped with the cheese.

Greek meatball subs are identified by the use of particular toppings and condiments. These are often garnished with fresh and crisp ingredients like diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and lettuce. The sauce used is usually a Tzatziki sauce, a tangy and creamy yogurt-based dressing flavored with dill and garlic.

The marriage of well-seasoned meatballs, crunchy veggies, and the vibrant tzatziki sauce is what makes this sandwich different and yet, comforting.

Meatballs are often consumed as a comfort food in Sweden. These are slightly different from traditional American meatballs in their unique spice blend, which typically includes a combination of ground beef and pork, finely minced onions, breadcrumbs, and a medley of spices such as allspice and nutmeg.

To make a sub, these meatballs are soaked in a creamy gravy. For added flair, these are garnished with lingonberry jam, a sweet and tart condiment that beautifully balances the richness of the meatballs and gravy. The cheese used is Swiss cheese, selected for its creaminess and flavor. This fusion of Swedish and American cuisines transforms this beloved comfort food into a convenient, handheld delight.

Since many individuals around the world follow a gluten-free diet due to their dietary restrictions, it might be difficult to enjoy dishes like a sub. However, there are alternatives to gluten that can be used. One example of this is the use of a gluten-free sub roll made with ingredients like rice flour, tapioca starch, or potato flour.

Fortunately, not many ingredients in the sub other than the bread have gluten which helps you enjoy the dish without having to worry about your allergies and sensitivities. This sub is an example of how creativity in the kitchen can cater to dietary requirements without sacrificing taste and enjoyment.

Now that we have done a gluten-free option, here we have a vegetarian meatball sub for those following a plant-based diet. Instead of beef meatballs, vegetarian meatballs are prepared with lentils, mushrooms, tofu, or a combination of grains and legumes. These are then flavored with a medley of herbs and spices to mimic the savory profile of traditional meatballs.

As a result of the tasty marinara sauce and gooey cheese with traditional seasoning, this alternative doesn't have to compromise on taste or satisfaction. It is a great option depending on whether you're a devoted vegetarian or simply looking to explore meatless options.

At its core, the Tex-Mex Meatball Sub features succulent meatballs seasoned with Tex-Mex spices like chili powder, cumin, and oregano. The meatballs are typically simmered in a zesty tomato sauce with peppers, onions, and often a touch of jalapeño for an added kick.

The toppings and condiments added to this sub are the ones you'd find in Tex-Mex cuisine. This may include shredded cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and sometimes a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. So, if you're craving a meatball sub and Mexican food at the same time, this should be your go-to option.

This low-carb version is a brilliant reinvention of the classic sandwich for those seeking a healthier, lower-carb alternative. It combines all the satisfying elements of a traditional meatball sub while minimizing the carbohydrate content.

Instead of the traditional baguette or sub roll, the low-carb version often uses lettuce leaves, large cabbage leaves, or even zucchini slices as the "bread." The meatballs are made from lean ground meat like turkey or beef mixed with spices, herbs, and sometimes a binding agent like almond flour or coconut flour to reduce carb content. Toppings are essential in a low-carb meatball sub, and you can get creative with options like mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, fresh basil, and even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a touch of heat.