why make this recipe
This recipe gives you hot, saucy meatball subs with very little work. You set the slow cooker and come back to a warm meal. The sandwich tastes like it came from a diner. It feeds a few people and works well for busy nights.
introduction
These meatball subs cook slowly in a jar of marinara. The slow cooker makes the meatballs tender and keeps them in sauce. If you like slow cooker Asian beef short ribs, you will enjoy the easy slow cooker method used here.
how to make Slow Cooker Meatball Subs
Follow a few simple steps and you will have tasty subs. Mix the meatball ingredients, roll them, and put them in the slow cooker. Cover with sauce and cook until done. Toast the rolls with cheese for a melty top.
Ingredients :
1 pound ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 jar marinara sauce, 4 hoagie rolls, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs and place them in the slow cooker.
- Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, slice the hoagie rolls and place meatballs inside.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
how to serve Slow Cooker Meatball Subs
Open the hoagie roll and add 3–4 meatballs with sauce. Top with cheese and broil quickly for a melted finish. Serve with a side salad, chips, or pickles.
how to store Slow Cooker Meatball Subs
Cool leftover meatballs and sauce before storing. Put them in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stove or in the microwave.
tips to make Slow Cooker Meatball Subs
Use medium-sized meatballs so they fit the rolls easily. Do not overmix the meat to keep meatballs tender. Check salt after cooking and add more if needed. For a different meal idea try the slow cooker cowboy casserole.
variation (if any)
- Use ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork for different flavor.
- Add Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for more spice.
- Use provolone or cheddar instead of mozzarella.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the meatballs ahead and freeze them?
A: Yes. Cook or uncooked meatballs freeze well. Freeze in sauce for best flavor. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Q: Can I cook the meatballs on the stove instead of a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Brown the meatballs in a pan and simmer in sauce for 20–30 minutes until cooked through.
Q: How do I keep the rolls from getting soggy?
A: Toast the inside of the rolls lightly before adding meatballs. Add more cheese and broil quickly to seal the top.
Q: Can I use homemade marinara?
A: Yes. Homemade sauce works great and gives more fresh flavor.
Conclusion
For a quick reference and step-by-step photos, see this recipe for Slow Cooker Meatballs Subs.
Slow Cooker Meatball Subs
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into medium-sized meatballs and place them in the slow cooker.
- Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, slice the hoagie rolls and place meatballs inside.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve warm and enjoy!