Easy Meatball Subs

These Easy Meatball Subs are a quick, kid-friendly weeknight dinner your family will love–and they’re ready in about 30 minutes!

Thanks to the National Frozen and Refrigerated Foods Association for sponsoring this post!

Chaos is looming—in the form of practices, lessons, games, and extracurricular activities. Much to the chagrin of most kids (and the sweet relief of many parents), the school year is about to start. And it’s best to be prepared. That means having a handful of “shortcut home-cooked” dinners in your back pocket for weeknights.

What’s a “shortcut home-cooked” dinner? That’s a term I made up for a meal that relies on a key convenience item—and that item means the difference between me putting a healthy, homecooked meal on the table and me ordering pizza.

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Frozen meatballs are that key item in these Easy Meatball Subs that preserve the home-cooked taste but save me serious time. Don’t get me wrong: I like making from-scratch meatballs. But that’s a project not fit for a standard Wednesday evening at 6:15 when my troops are hungry.

I used Rosina Italian Style Meatballs, which are a mix of beef, pork, and chicken. They come in a half-ounce size that’s just right for meatball subs.

Using frozen meatballs means you have time to make a (mostly) from-scratch sauce, which you simmer along with the meatballs. (I say “mostly” because it starts with a can of crushed tomatoes–scratch sauce from fresh tomatoes is not a Wednesday evening task either!)

Once the sauce is mixed together, add the frozen meatballs, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes.

Then pile the saucy meatballs into buns (I put four meatballs in each bun for adults, three for my kids). Top with shredded cheese, and pop under the broiler for a minute or two until browned and bubbly.

You’re done! I serve these with big, crisp green salads.

5 from 1 vote

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Easy Meatball Subs

Cuisine Italian

Keyword meatballs

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Servings 6

Calories 422 kcal

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2 medium garlic cloved pressed
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes (big or small pinch, depending on how much heat your crowd likes)
• 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 package Rosina Italian Style Meatballs (1/2 ounce size)
• 6 sub, brat, or hot dog buns
• 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. In a medium skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil on medium heat for 15 seconds, then add garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes and stir well; add salt and sugar and stir again until combined

2. Add entire package of Rosina Italian Style Meatballs to sauce, stirring so meatballs are covered in sauce.

3. Cover pan and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Move oven rack to top position, and heat the broiler to HIGH.

5. Spoon saucy meatballs into buns, top with cheese, and place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to make sure they don’t burn.

Nutrition Facts

Easy Meatball Subs

Amount Per Serving

Calories 422 Calories from Fat 189

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 21g 32%

Sodium 1140mg 48%

Total Carbohydrates 47g 16%

Dietary Fiber 4g 16%

Sugars 5g

Protein 21g 42%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

I’m happy to be partnering with the National Frozen and Refrigerated Foods Association this year because I couldn’t get by without the foods I find in the frozen and dairy aisles of the store. These foods make meal prep (and my life in general) a lot easier!

You can find more quick weeknight-ready recipes at Easy Home Meals. Here are three more recipe ideas using Rosina meatballs:

• Curry Meatballs
• Turkey Meatball Gyro
• Slow Cooker Sriracha Meatballs

Click here to get a free list of 100 Lunch Box Ideas!