Meatball Subs

These easy slow cooker meatball subs are the ultimate comfort food, combining tender meatballs simmered in rich marinara sauce with melted provolone cheese on toasted sub rolls. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, they're perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or feeding a hungry crowd.

Contributor: Aunt Stephanie

Prep

5 min

Cook

4 hr

Temp

Low (slow cooker)

Yield

6 servings

Ingredients

1 (28 ounce) bag frozen fully-cooked Italian-style meatballs
1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
6 sub rolls or hoagie buns
12 slices provolone cheese
Optional: grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or red pepper flakes for serving

Instructions

1
Add the meatballs and marinara sauce to the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat the meatballs evenly with the sauce.
2
Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours, or until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is bubbly. Stir occasionally if possible.
3
When ready to serve, preheat the oven to broil. Place the sub rolls on a baking sheet and lightly toast them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely so they don't burn.
4
Fill each toasted roll with 4-5 meatballs and a generous spoonful of marinara sauce. Top each sandwich with 2 slices of provolone cheese.
5
Return the sandwiches to the broiler for 1-2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan, fresh basil, or red pepper flakes if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use Homemade Meatballs – Swap the frozen meatballs for homemade ones for a more personal touch and even better flavor.
Add Garlic Bread Flavor – Brush the inside of the rolls with garlic butter before toasting for an extra-special sandwich.
Add Parmesan – Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the melted cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Make It a Sandwich Bar – If you're serving a crowd, keep the meatballs on the slow cooker's Warm setting and set out different cheeses and toppings so everyone can build their own hot meatball sub.

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