Peggy'S Meatball Subs
Savory meatball subs featuring flavorful homemade meatballs in rich tomato sauce, topped with peppers, olives, and cheese—perfect for satisfying family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 28 oz. jar spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 1 egg
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sweet red pepper ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 6 submarine or hoagie buns ⓘ
- 11.5 oz. jar pepperoncinis, drained and sliced (optional) ⓘ
- 1 can ripe olives (optional) ⓘ
- shredded Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- red onion ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup spaghetti sauce, egg, and breadcrumbs and mix well.
- Chop the medium onion and red pepper; add to the mixture along with minced garlic and Italian seasoning.
- Crumble the ground beef over the mixture; mix well.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place in a single layer in an ungreased 15 x 10 x 1 inch baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until the meat is no longer pink, turning once during baking.
- Drain off excess fat and transfer the meatballs to a large saucepan.
- Add the remaining spaghetti sauce to the saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Spoon the meatballs and sauce onto half of each bun.
- Top with peppers, olives, Parmesan cheese, and sliced red onions if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding grated Parmesan directly into the meatball mixture. If you're out of seasoned breadcrumbs, you can substitute with plain breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning. For a healthier option, use ground turkey instead of beef. Don't hesitate to experiment with different sauces or spices to customize your meatball subs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious meatball subs with a side of crispy potato wedges or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. They pair beautifully with Soup Dip for a comforting dinner. You can also offer additional toppings like jalapeños or different cheeses to cater to various tastes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave them in short intervals, stirring in between. For longer storage, you can freeze the meatballs and sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peggy'S Meatball Subs contains roughly 1180 calories, with 39g protein, 164g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (78% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), and iron (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1861mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and refrigerate them. Just bake and assemble your subs when you're ready to serve. This is a great time-saving tip for busy weeknights or gatherings.
What can I use instead of spaghetti sauce?
If you're looking for alternatives, marinara sauce or even a barbecue sauce can work well for a different flavor profile. You can also try homemade sauce for a fresher taste. Just ensure the sauce has a good consistency to hold up in the sub.
How do I make these meatball subs spicy?
To add some heat, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes into the meatball mixture or use a spicy marinara sauce. Topping the subs with sliced jalapeños or pepperoncini can also enhance the spiciness to satisfy those who love a kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).