Crockpot Italian Meatball Subs

Introduction

Crockpot Italian Meatball Subs are the ultimate comfort food, offering tender, juicy meatballs in a rich marinara sauce, all served in a soft sub roll and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This slow-cooked version of the classic Italian sandwich makes the meatballs irresistibly flavorful and easy to prepare.

I first made these when I needed a simple yet satisfying meal for a busy day, and they were a hit with my family. The best part about these meatball subs is how easy they are to make—just throw everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic. The slow cooking process makes the meatballs incredibly tender and flavorful, while the sauce soaks into the bread, creating a deliciously messy and comforting meal.

These subs are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a game-day snack, or feeding a crowd. And with minimal effort, you can enjoy a hearty, delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving them to guests or making a simple meal for yourself, these meatball subs are sure to impress!

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Game day
• Casual gatherings
• Meal prep
• Italian food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Italian Meatball Subs

Here’s why Crockpot Italian Meatball Subs will become your new favorite meal:

• Tender Meatballs: The slow cooking process ensures that the meatballs are juicy and full of flavor, cooked to perfection in the marinara sauce.
• Minimal Effort: Simply mix the ingredients, let the crockpot do the work, and assemble the subs when it’s time to eat.
• Delicious Marinara Sauce: The meatballs simmer in a savory marinara sauce, soaking up all the flavors for a rich and satisfying bite.
• Cheese Melted to Perfection: Mozzarella cheese is melted on top of the meatballs, creating the perfect gooey, cheesy topping.
• Customizable: You can adjust the level of spice, sauce, or cheese to your liking and experiment with different bread rolls or add-ins like sautéed peppers or onions.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 4-6 hours
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4-6 hours on low
• Servings: 6-8 subs
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories (depending on size and ingredients)
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Crockpot Italian Meatball Subs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley (fresh or dried)
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade)
• 6-8 sub rolls or hoagie buns
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)

Ingredient Highlights

• Ground Beef and Pork Mix: Combining ground beef and pork adds a balance of flavor and moisture to the meatballs, resulting in tender and juicy bites.
• Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help to bind the meatballs together, keeping them soft and moist.
• Marinara Sauce: A good-quality marinara sauce brings the dish together with its tangy, savory flavor, soaking into the meatballs.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, adding creaminess and flavor to the subs.
• Sub Rolls: Soft, fresh sub rolls or hoagie buns are perfect for holding the juicy meatballs and sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Crockpot Italian Meatball Subs:

Prepare the Meatballs:

1. Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined (do not overmix to avoid tough meatballs).
2. Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, form the meat mixture into 1-1.5 inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet or plate.
3. Optional: Brown the Meatballs (for extra flavor): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden. This step is optional but adds extra depth of flavor. You can also skip this step if you’re short on time and prefer to cook the meatballs directly in the sauce.

Cook the Meatballs:

4. Add Meatballs to the Crockpot: Place the uncooked (or browned) meatballs into the bottom of your slow cooker.
5. Pour in Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are fully covered. Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 4-6 hours. The meatballs should be fully cooked through and tender.

Assemble the Subs:

6. Toast the Sub Rolls: While the meatballs are cooking, you can lightly toast the sub rolls in the oven or on a skillet for extra texture.
7. Assemble the Subs: Once the meatballs are cooked, use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer a few meatballs onto each toasted sub roll. Spoon some extra sauce from the crockpot over the meatballs.
8. Top with Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the meatballs.
9. Melt the Cheese: If desired, place the assembled subs under a broiler for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese and get a bubbly, golden top. Alternatively, you can cover the crockpot and let the cheese melt inside.
10. Serve: Serve the meatball subs immediately, with extra marinara sauce on the side if desired.

How to Serve Crockpot Italian Meatball Subs

Crockpot Italian Meatball Subs are delicious on their own, but they can be served in various ways:

• With a Side Salad: Serve the subs with a simple side salad or Caesar salad for a well-rounded meal.
• With Chips or Fries: Pair the subs with crispy potato chips or golden fries for a classic comfort food combo.
• For a Party: These meatball subs are perfect for serving at parties, especially when cut into smaller pieces for easy sharing.
• With Garlic Bread: Serve these subs with homemade or store-bought garlic bread for an extra indulgent meal.
• For Meal Prep: These meatball subs can be packed into individual containers for meal prep. Simply reheat when ready to enjoy.

Additional Tips for Crockpot Italian Meatball Subs

Here are some tips to make your Crockpot Italian Meatball Subs perfect every time:

• Do Not Overmix the Meatball Mixture: Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Mix gently until all the ingredients are just combined.
• Optional Searing: Browning the meatballs before adding them to the crockpot gives them an extra layer of flavor, but it’s not necessary for a great meal.
• Use a Quality Marinara Sauce: The sauce plays a big role in the flavor of this dish, so choose a marinara sauce you love or make your own if you have the time.
• Customize the Spices: If you like a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or the meatball mixture.
• Keep the Meatballs Moist: Don’t skip the breadcrumbs, as they help keep the meatballs from drying out during cooking.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs the night before, refrigerate them, and cook them the next day in the crockpot.

Recipe Variations for Crockpot Italian Meatball Subs

Here are 10 variations you can try for Crockpot Italian Meatball Subs:

• Turkey Meatball Subs: Use lean ground turkey instead of beef and pork for a lighter version.
• Chicken Meatball Subs: Try ground chicken for a different flavor profile.
• Spicy Meatball Subs: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatballs or sauce for some heat.
• Vegan Meatball Subs: Use plant-based meatballs made with lentils or chickpeas for a vegan-friendly version.
• Cheese Stuffed Meatballs: Stuff the meatballs with a cube of mozzarella cheese for a gooey surprise inside.
• Balsamic Glaze Meatball Subs: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the meatballs for a tangy, sweet finish.
• Pesto Meatball Subs: Add a tablespoon of pesto to the marinara sauce for an herby twist.
• Zucchini Meatball Subs: Incorporate grated zucchini into the meatball mixture for added moisture and veggies.
• BBQ Meatball Subs: Swap the marinara sauce for barbecue sauce for a smoky, sweet variation.
• Caprese Meatball Subs: Top the meatballs with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a Caprese-inspired sub.

Freezing and Storage for Crockpot Italian Meatball Subs

• Freezing: The meatballs can be frozen before or after cooking. To freeze, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. Reheat in the crockpot or oven when ready to serve.
• Storage: Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave or heat on the stove.

Special Equipment for Crockpot Italian Meatball Subs

Here are some tools to help you make the perfect Crockpot Italian Meatball Subs:

• Crockpot/Slow Cooker: A slow cooker is key to cooking the meatballs low and slow, ensuring they stay juicy and tender.
• Skillet (optional): Use a skillet to brown the meatballs before adding them to the crockpot for extra flavor.
• Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Use these to transfer the meatballs from the sauce without excess liquid.
• Baking Sheet: If you’re toasting the sub rolls, a baking sheet will come in handy.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements of ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions for Crockpot Italian Meatball Subs

1. Can I use store-bought meatballs?
   Yes, you can use frozen or fresh store-bought meatballs for a quicker option. Just heat them in the crockpot with marinara sauce.
2. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the meatballs the day before and refrigerate them until ready to cook in the crockpot.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Yes, feel free to use provolone, parmesan, or another cheese you prefer.
4. Can I make these subs without a crockpot?
   Yes, you can bake the meatballs in the oven and then simmer them in marinara sauce on the stovetop for a quicker version.
5. Can I make the subs gluten-free?
   Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free sub rolls for a gluten-free version of the recipe.

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Conclusion

Crockpot Italian Meatball Subs offer a perfect balance of juicy meatballs, savory marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all served in a soft sub roll. With minimal preparation and cooking time, this recipe makes a satisfying meal for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, at a party, or as a comforting weeknight meal, these meatball subs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

This recipe is as simple to prepare as it is delicious, making it ideal for everything from casual family nights to festive gatherings. Whether you’re enjoying it with loved ones or treating yourself, these meatball subs are a guaranteed hit.

I’d love to see how your Crockpot Italian Meatball Subs turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!