Chef Mitchell preparing Cheesy Bacon Meatball Sub
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Cheesy Bacon Meatball Sub during a family gathering when I decided to combine my love for meatballs and bacon. After experimenting with different cheeses and sauces, I perfected it to satisfy everyone's cravings. It's now a staple in our household and a hit at parties, making it a cherished recipe that I love to share."

With over a decade of experience in American cuisine, I specialize in creating comforting lunch recipes that bring joy to the table. My passion for cooking stems from family traditions, and I enjoy bringing classic flavors to life with a modern twist. I believe in using quality ingredients to create meals that everyone will love.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Cheesy Bacon Meatball Sub served on a plate

Why This Cheesy Bacon Meatball Sub Recipe Works

This Cheesy Bacon Meatball Sub combines the best of all worlds: juicy meatballs, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese all in one delicious sandwich. The combination of beef and pork gives the meatballs a depth of flavor that is enhanced by the crispy bacon. The marinara sauce and melted cheese create a perfect harmony that elevates the sub to an entirely new level.

Using quality ingredients is vital in achieving the best results. The meatballs are cooked to perfection, ensuring they are tender and flavorful, while the cheese melts beautifully under the broiler, creating a delightful gooey texture. Each bite bursts with flavor, making this sub a memorable meal.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best texture, avoid overmixing the meatball mixture, as this can make them tough. Also, don’t skip the broiling step; it makes all the difference in achieving that perfect melted cheese topping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the meatballs in the sauce, assemble the sub, and broil for the cheese to melt.

If you prefer not to use ground pork, you can substitute it with more ground beef or even ground turkey for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

The meatballs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Additionally, the cheese should be melted and bubbly, indicating that the sandwich is ready to be enjoyed.

Yes, you can freeze the assembled meatball subs before broiling. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and they can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and broil as directed.

These meatball subs pair well with a fresh salad, crispy fries, or even a bowl of soup. You could also serve them with pickles or chips for a delightful crunch on the side.

Leftover Cheesy Bacon Meatball Sub can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to wrap them well to maintain freshness.

Yes, the components can be made in advance. Prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble the subs when you’re ready to serve for the freshest taste.

To reheat, place the sub in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. If you have leftover sauce, you can drizzle that on top to keep it moist.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: The meatballs may have turned out dry.

Solution: Ensure you're not overcooking the meatballs. A meat thermometer can help you check that they reach the correct internal temperature without cooking them too long.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The bacon may not be crispy enough.

Solution: Make sure to cook the bacon until it's crispy before adding it to the sub. You can also broil the assembled sub for a couple of minutes to crisp it up further.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: The meatballs might be overcooked and tough.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, monitor the cooking time closely and use a thermometer to check doneness.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: The meatballs may be undercooked in the center.

Recovery: If you find that they are undercooked, return them to the sauce and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until fully cooked.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: The meatballs or subs may burn on the outside.

Prevention: Keep a close eye on the broiling process and adjust the distance from the heat source if necessary to prevent burning.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the sub is too sweet, consider adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If it's too salty, try adding a bit of sugar or serving with a side of unsalted items to offset the saltiness.

Bland: If the flavor is too bland, increase the seasoning by adding herbs or spices to the meat mixture.

Fresh ingredients for Cheesy Bacon Meatball Sub

Essential Ingredients for Cheesy Bacon Meatball Sub

Key ingredients for this recipe include high-quality ground meats, fresh herbs, and rich marinara sauce. The combination of beef and pork creates a succulent meatball that complements the crispy bacon and gooey cheese perfectly. For best results, use fresh ingredients whenever possible.

The quality of the cheese also plays a significant role; opt for freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melt and flavor. Each component contributes to making this sub a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Ground Meats: Using a blend of ground beef and pork enhances flavor and moisture in the meatballs. Look for lean cuts and ensure they are fresh for the best taste.
  • Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for a more substantial bite. Cooking it until crispy adds a wonderful texture to the sub and complements the softness of the meatballs.
  • Cheese: Opt for freshly shredded mozzarella rather than pre-shredded for better melting properties and a richer flavor. The cheese should be generous and gooey for the ultimate cheesy experience.
Cooking process for Cheesy Bacon Meatball Sub

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for the Cheesy Bacon Meatball Sub is straightforward, making it accessible for any home cook. Start by preparing the meatballs and browning them in a skillet for maximum flavor. Once the meatballs are cooked, they simmer in marinara sauce to absorb all the delicious flavors.

Assembling the subs is a fun part – fill the toasted rolls with meatballs, add crispy bacon and cheese, and broil until bubbly. This method ensures a perfectly cohesive dish with a delightful blend of textures and flavors.

Key Technique for Perfect Cheesy Bacon Meatball Sub

The most important technique for this recipe is broiling the assembled subs at the end. This step melts the cheese beautifully and creates a slightly crispy topping while keeping the meatballs tender and juicy.

Cheesy Bacon Meatball Sub

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup marinara sauce
    Store-bought or homemade
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
    For frying the meatballs

For the Sauce

  • 1 lb ground beef
    For the meatball mix
  • 1 lb ground pork
    For the meatball mix
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
    For binding the meatballs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    For flavor
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
    For freshness
  • 1 egg
    For binding
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    For flavor
  • 1 tsp salt
    For seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
    For seasoning
  • 1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
    For topping
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
    For topping
  • 6 sub rolls
    For serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Gather all ingredients and prepare them as indicated. Preheat your oven to broil.

  2. Make the Meatballs

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

  3. Shape Meatballs

    Shape the meat mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter.

  4. Cook Meatballs

    In a skillet, heat olive oil and brown the meatballs on all sides for about 8-10 minutes.

  5. Simmer in Sauce

    Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes.

  6. Toast Sub Rolls

    Slice the sub rolls and toast them lightly in the oven.

  7. Assemble Subs

    Fill each roll with meatballs, spoon sauce, and top with bacon and cheese.

  8. Broil to Melt Cheese

    Place subs on a baking sheet and broil until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes.

  9. Serve Hot

    Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and enjoy your delicious Cheesy Bacon Meatball Sub!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store leftovers, wrap the Cheesy Bacon Meatball Sub tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best quality, reheat before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Cheesy Bacon Meatball Sub with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite ingredients. Try using ground turkey instead of beef and pork, or add sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for extra veggies. You can also experiment with different types of cheese for a unique twist.