Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Knuckle Sandwiches›Meatball Sub Recipe

Meatball Sub Recipe

Inspired by Knuckle Sandwiches
Time55m
Serves4

Make Meatball Sub Recipe in just 55m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

Jump to Recipe

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Meatballs

Sauce

Assembly & Finish

Method

Meatballs

  1. 1

    Make meatball mixture

    In a large bowl combine breadcrumbs and milk; let sit 2 minutes until absorbed. Add ground beef, ground pork, egg, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a fork until just combined—do not overwork to keep meatballs tender.

  2. 2

    Form meatballs

    Portion mixture into even meatballs about 1 1/4 inches in diameter (roughly 1.5 tablespoons each). You should get about 18–20 meatballs depending on size. Place formed meatballs on a tray or sheet pan.

  3. 3

    Brown meatballs

    Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches if needed, add meatballs without crowding and brown on all sides, turning carefully, about 6–8 minutes total. They do not need to be fully cooked through—just browned. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate.

Sauce

  1. 4

    Sauté aromatics

    In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon olive oil if pan is dry. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

  2. 5

    Build sauce

    Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, sugar (if using), salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and 1/4 cup water or broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

  3. 6

    Simmer with meatballs

    Return browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Reduce heat to low, partially cover, and simmer gently 15–20 minutes until meatballs are cooked through (internal temp 160°F/71°C) and sauce has thickened slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Assembly & Finish

  1. 7

    Toast rolls (optional)

    Preheat broiler (or a skillet). If toasting, spread softened butter on cut sides of the sub rolls. Place rolls cut-side up on a baking sheet and broil 1–2 minutes until lightly golden (watch closely) or toast in a skillet until lightly browned.

  2. 8

    Assemble subs

    Spoon 3–4 meatballs with sauce into each split roll (adjust number to fit roll). Top each with 1 slice of provolone or mozzarella placed over the hot meatballs so it melts. Spoon a little extra sauce over the cheese.

  3. 9

    Melt cheese (optional)

    If cheese needs more melting, place assembled subs under the broiler for 30–60 seconds until cheese is bubbly—watch carefully to avoid burning.

  4. 10

    Garnish and serve

    Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the subs and serve immediately with extra sauce on the side if desired.

More from Knuckle Sandwiches