Meatball Sub Bombs Cheesy Filling

Highlighted under: Rustic Comfort Dishes

Deliciously cheesy and hearty, these Meatball Sub Bombs are the ultimate comfort food.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-23T23:34:27.966Z

These Meatball Sub Bombs are packed with flavor and ooze with cheesy goodness. Perfectly baked and easy to make, they are great for game day, parties, or a fun family dinner.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Juicy meatballs combined with a gooey cheese filling
  • Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
  • Perfect for sharing or a satisfying solo meal

The Perfect Party Snack

Meatball Sub Bombs are not just a meal; they're a crowd-pleasing snack perfect for any gathering. Whether it's game day, a movie night, or a casual get-together with friends, these cheesy delights will be the star of the show. Their combination of juicy meatballs and melty cheese makes them irresistible, and they’re easy to serve, allowing guests to grab one and enjoy without the fuss of cutlery.

You can easily customize the toppings and sauces based on your guests' preferences. From spicy marinara to creamy Alfredo, these sub bombs can cater to everyone’s taste buds. Plus, since they’re baked, they’re less messy than traditional meatball subs, letting everyone focus on the fun.

Healthy Substitutions

If you're looking to lighten up this recipe without sacrificing flavor, there are several easy substitutes you can make. For instance, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lower-fat option. Additionally, swapping out regular breadcrumbs for whole-grain ones can add some extra fiber to your meal.

You can also incorporate chopped spinach or zucchini into the meatball mixture for added nutrients and moisture. This will not only enhance the flavor profile but will also make your Meatball Sub Bombs a more balanced dish, perfect for those who are health-conscious.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Meatball Sub Bomb experience, consider serving them with a side of crispy garlic bread or a fresh salad. The refreshing crunch of a salad complements the hearty meatballs, making for a well-rounded meal. A side of dipping sauce, like ranch or spicy aioli, can also add an extra layer of flavor that your guests will love.

For a fun family dinner, let everyone build their own sub. Provide an array of toppings like sautéed peppers, onions, olives, and various cheese options. This interactive dining experience not only makes the meal more enjoyable but also allows everyone to create their perfect Meatball Sub Bomb.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheesy Filling

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Assembly

  • 4 sub rolls
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • Extra mozzarella cheese for topping

Gather all your ingredients for a delicious and cheesy treat!

Instructions

Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.

Make the Cheesy Filling

In a separate bowl, mix together mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese until well combined.

Form the Meatballs

Take a portion of the meatball mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a spoonful of the cheesy filling in the center, then wrap the meat around it to form a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

Bake the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

Assemble the Sub Bombs

Slice the sub rolls in half and place them on a baking dish. Spread marinara sauce on the bottom, add the baked meatballs, and top with extra mozzarella cheese.

Final Bake

Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve hot and enjoy your cheesy Meatball Sub Bombs!

Storage Tips

Once you've made your Meatball Sub Bombs, you might find yourself with leftovers. To store them, let the meatballs cool completely and then place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Lay the meatballs on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag, where they can last for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Pairing Beverages

Finding the right beverage to accompany your Meatball Sub Bombs can enhance your dining experience. A light-bodied red wine, such as a Chianti or a Pinot Noir, pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the meat and cheese. If you prefer beer, a crisp lager or an IPA can cut through the richness and complement the savory notes.

For a non-alcoholic option, consider serving sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a refreshing iced tea. Both drinks will cleanse the palate and keep your guests refreshed throughout the meal.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative.

→ How can I make these gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and sub rolls.

→ Can I prepare these in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and filling ahead of time. Just assemble and bake when ready.

→ What can I serve with Meatball Sub Bombs?

These pair well with a side salad or crispy fries.

Meatball Sub Bombs Cheesy Filling

Deliciously cheesy and hearty, these Meatball Sub Bombs are the ultimate comfort food.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Rustic Comfort Dishes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Meatballs

  1. 1 lb ground beef
  2. 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  3. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  4. 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  5. 1 egg
  6. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  7. Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheesy Filling

  1. 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  2. 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  3. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Assembly

  1. 4 sub rolls
  2. 1 cup marinara sauce
  3. Extra mozzarella cheese for topping

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.

Step 02

In a separate bowl, mix together mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese until well combined.

Step 03

Take a portion of the meatball mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a spoonful of the cheesy filling in the center, then wrap the meat around it to form a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

Step 04

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

Step 05

Slice the sub rolls in half and place them on a baking dish. Spread marinara sauce on the bottom, add the baked meatballs, and top with extra mozzarella cheese.

Step 06

Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 25g