Slow Cooker Meatball Subs
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Meatball Subs:
Few sandwiches scream comfort food quite like a hot, cheesy meatball sub. This slow cooker meatball subs recipe delivers everything you love about the classic Italian-American favorite tender meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese without the time-consuming prep.
Instead of simmering homemade meatballs all day, this easy crockpot recipe uses frozen beef meatballs and pantry staples to create a bold, satisfying meal with almost no effort. Simply dump everything into the slow cooker, let it do the work, and assemble when you’re ready to eat.
It’s the ultimate solution for busy weeknights, football Sundays, casual family dinners, or feeding a crowd without stress.
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
2 pounds frozen, fully cooked beef meatballs
3 cups marinara sauce (about 24 oz, jarred or homemade)
6 hoagie rolls or sub rolls, split
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone), divided
Instructions:
Place the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker, spreading them into an even layer.
Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs. Gently turn a few to coat, but no thorough stirring is needed.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the meatballs are hot and the sauce is bubbling.
About 10 minutes before serving, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
Preheat the broiler. Arrange hoagie rolls cut-side up on a baking sheet and lightly toast for 2–3 minutes.
Spoon meatballs and sauce into each roll (about 4–5 meatballs per sub).
Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese and broil for 1–3 minutes until melted and lightly browned.
Serve hot with extra sauce on the side.
Best Side Dishes for Meatball Subs:
Balance the richness of these cheesy meatball subs with:
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
Caesar or chopped Italian salad
Oven-roasted broccoli, zucchini, or green beans.
Potato chips, fries, or a light cucumber salad
Vegetable soup or minestrone for a hearty spread
Tips & Variations:
Spicy meatball subs: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy arrabbiata sauce.
Deli-style flavor: Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the cheese before broiling.
Lighter option: Swap beef for frozen fully cooked turkey meatballs.
Extra cheesy: Layer provolone under the meatballs and mozzarella on top.
Make-ahead friendly: Keep meatballs warm in the slow cooker for hours and assemble just before serving.
Benefits of This Recipe:
Only 4 ingredients
Dump-and-go slow cooker meal
Perfect for game day, parties, and crowds
No stovetop cooking required
Budget-friendly and family-approved
Easy to customize with different sauces or cheeses
