The aroma of bubbling marinara sauce fills the kitchen as you prepare to indulge in a delightful dish. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, toasted sub filled with juicy halal meatballs smothered in rich tomato sauce, topped off with melty cheese.
It’s the perfect comfort food for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Grab your loved ones and get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Halal meatball subs are incredibly easy to whip up, making them ideal for busy weeknights
- The flavor is out of this world, thanks to the combination of spices and fresh ingredients
- They are visually appealing with their colorful toppings and ooey-gooey melted cheese
- Perfect for game day or any casual gathering!
I remember the first time I made these subs; my family devoured them in minutes and asked when I would make them again!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Aim for high-quality ground beef for juicy meatballs; 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the meatballs a delightful crunch. Feel free to use gluten-free options if needed.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds freshness and color; don’t skip it!
- Eggs: Use large eggs to bind the mixture together effectively; they help keep everything moist too.
- Garlic Powder: This enhances flavor without overpowering the dish; I love using it generously!
For the Sauce:
- Canned Crushed Tomatoes: Choose high-quality tomatoes; San Marzano is my go-to for authentic flavor.
- Dried Oregano: Adds that classic Italian touch; sprinkle generously for aromatic goodness.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully on top of your subs; who doesn’t love gooey cheese?
- Sub Rolls: Use fresh or toasted rolls; feel free to opt for whole grain or gluten-free versions!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Create the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until fully blended.
Scoop and Shape: Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form uniform-sized meatballs about two inches wide. Place them on a greased baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are browned and cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Create the Marinara Sauce: While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper; let simmer while stirring occasionally.
Add Meatballs to Sauce: Once baked, gently add your glorious meatballs into the simmering marinara sauce. Allow them to soak up all that deliciousness for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Toss in Your Rolls: Slice your sub rolls open and place them on a baking tray. Spoon some marinara sauce onto each roll before adding two or three hearty meatballs on top.
Melt That Cheese: Top each sub generously with shredded mozzarella cheese and place under a broiler until melted and bubbly—about 2-3 minutes should do it!
Now you’re ready to serve these succulent Halal meatball subs with marinara sauce that will have everyone coming back for more! Enjoy every bite!
You Must Know
- Halal meatball subs with marinara sauce are a game-changer for busy weeknights
- The rich, savory flavors meld beautifully, while the warm bread creates a comforting experience
- Pair them with a side salad for a balanced meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To create perfectly juicy halal meatballs, mix ingredients, roll them into balls, then bake until golden. While they bake, simmer your marinara sauce to develop rich flavors and aromas.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for ground chicken or turkey. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or oregano for an extra flavor kick!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover subs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through, ensuring the bread stays soft.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For tender meatballs, don’t overmix the meat mixture; it should be just combined
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible—they pack more flavor than dried!
- When baking, place meatballs on parchment paper to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking
Sometimes, my family begs me to make these halal meatball subs every Sunday. They claim it’s tradition now! I can’t argue when their faces light up at dinner time.
FAQ
What kind of bread works best for halal meatball subs?
Submarine rolls or hoagie buns work perfectly for holding all that delicious filling.
Can I freeze leftover halal meatball subs?
Yes! Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to three months for future meals.
How do I make my marinara sauce more flavorful?
Add red wine or crushed red pepper flakes for a deeper taste and extra kick!

Halal Meatball Subs with Marinara Sauce
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in these mouthwatering Halal Meatball Subs, featuring juicy meatballs nestled in a rich marinara sauce and topped with gooey melted cheese. Perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners!
Ingredients
- Ground Beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- Panko Breadcrumbs
- Fresh Parsley
- Eggs
- Garlic Powder
- Canned Crushed Tomatoes
- Dried Oregano
- Mozzarella Cheese
- Sub Rolls
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, mix ground beef, panko, parsley, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Form into 2-inch meatballs and place on a greased baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes until browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F / 71°C).
- While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper; let simmer.
- Once baked, add the meatballs to the sauce to soak up flavors for 5-10 minutes.
- Slice sub rolls open and place on a tray. Spoon marinara sauce onto each roll, add meatballs, and top with mozzarella cheese.
- Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly (about 2-3 minutes). Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sub (200g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg