Chef Mitchell preparing Bacon Cheddar Meatball Subs
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

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

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the magic of Bacon Cheddar Meatball Subs during a casual gathering with friends. The combination of flavors was an instant hit, and I've since perfected this recipe to capture that moment of culinary joy. Every bite bursts with savory goodness, and it has become a staple in my household ever since."

With over a decade of experience in American cuisine, Chef Mitchell specializes in creating mouthwatering lunch recipes. His passion for comfort food shines through in every dish, making it easy for anyone to enjoy delicious meals at home.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Bacon Cheddar Meatball Subs served on a plate

Why This Bacon Cheddar Meatball Subs Recipe Works

This recipe stands out due to its unique blend of flavors from crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese. The meatballs are juicy and packed with a variety of seasonings, creating a deliciously rich taste in every bite. Additionally, the combination of marinara sauce and cheese adds an extra layer of flavor that elevates these subs.

The baking technique ensures that the meatballs stay moist while achieving a beautiful golden-brown exterior. This method, coupled with the broiling of the cheese, results in a crispy texture that contrasts perfectly with the soft sub roll. The balance of ingredients guarantees that each sub is satisfying and enjoyable.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, use a mix of ground beef and pork in your meatballs for added flavor and moisture. Additionally, allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes before serving to enhance their juiciness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and marinara sauce a day in advance. Simply refrigerate them separately and assemble the subs just before serving. This makes them perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests.

You can use ground turkey or ground chicken as a lighter alternative. Both options will work well, but make sure to adjust the seasoning slightly to enhance the flavors of the leaner meats.

The meatballs should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). You can also check that they are no longer pink in the center. Additionally, the cheese should be melted and bubbly for the best texture.

Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs and marinara sauce separately. To reheat, simply thaw and heat in a saucepan before assembling the subs. This is a great way to enjoy them at a later date.

These subs pair wonderfully with a side of crispy fries, a fresh salad, or even some roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. For a fun twist, consider offering chips or a light soup as accompaniments.

When properly stored in an airtight container, these subs can last in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to separate the meatballs from the bread if you expect leftovers to maintain freshness.

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce a day ahead, storing them separately. Assemble the subs when you're ready to serve for the freshest taste.

To reheat, place the subs in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will ensure the bread is toasty and the cheese is melted without drying out the meatballs.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If the meatballs are dry, it means they were overcooked.

Solution: To prevent this, monitor cooking time closely and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the subs are not crispy, the broiling may not have been adequate.

Solution: Make sure to broil the subs for long enough until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown for that perfect crispiness.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Meatballs can become tough if cooked too long.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, keep an eye on the baking time and use a thermometer to ensure they reach the safe temperature without exceeding it.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center of the meatballs is undercooked, they may not have had enough cooking time.

Recovery: Return the meatballs to the oven for a few more minutes, checking periodically until they reach the right temperature.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: The outside of the meatballs may burn if the oven temperature is too high.

Prevention: To avoid this, ensure your oven is calibrated correctly and use a baking sheet to prevent direct contact with hot surfaces.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the subs are too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If the subs are too salty, serve with a side of fresh vegetables to offset the saltiness.

Bland: If the flavor is bland, consider adding extra spices or herbs to enhance taste.

Fresh ingredients for Bacon Cheddar Meatball Subs

Essential Ingredients for Bacon Cheddar Meatball Subs

The key ingredients in this recipe include high-quality ground beef and crispy bacon, which provide a flavorful base for the meatballs. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, while the cheddar cheese brings a rich creaminess that ties everything together. For the sauce, a good marinara is essential for enhancing the overall flavor.

Always opt for high-quality ingredients to achieve the best results. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties, and using fresh herbs will elevate the taste of your meatballs. The choice of bread is also crucial; a sturdy sub roll will hold up better against the juicy meatballs and sauce.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Ground Beef: Choose a ground beef with a higher fat content for juicier meatballs. An 80/20 blend of meat to fat works well and helps maintain moisture during cooking.
  • Bacon: Using thick-cut bacon adds a nice texture and flavor to the meatballs. Make sure it's cooked until crispy before mixing it into the meatball mixture for added crunch.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced flavor. Grating the cheese yourself will enhance the melting quality and overall taste in the subs.
Cooking process for Bacon Cheddar Meatball Subs

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

This cooking process involves mixing and shaping the meatballs, which are then baked to perfection. The use of oven baking helps achieve a golden exterior while keeping the inside moist. The layering of marinara sauce and cheese creates a deliciously melty topping.

For perfect results, ensure your oven is preheated and keep an eye on the meatballs while they bake. Broiling at the end ensures a crispy finish, making the subs even more enjoyable.

Key Technique for Perfect Bacon Cheddar Meatball Subs

The key to perfect Bacon Cheddar Meatball Subs lies in the preparation of the meat mixture. Mixing the ingredients carefully ensures a balanced flavor, while avoiding overmixing helps maintain tenderness in the meatballs. Baking them until just done and broiling the cheese ensures a delightful combination of textures.

Bacon Cheddar Meatball Subs

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 3 cups marinara sauce
    For topping the meatballs
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
    Optional for extra flavor
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
    Optional for a spicy kick

For the Sauce

  • 1 lb ground beef
    For the meatball base
  • 1/2 lb bacon, chopped
    Adds flavor and texture
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
    Helps bind the meatballs
  • 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
    Mix into the meatballs
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
    Freshness and color
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    Adds richness
  • 1 large egg
    Binds the mixture
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
    For flavor

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs

    In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped bacon, breadcrumbs, grated cheddar, parsley, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until well combined.

  2. Shape the Meatballs

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Form the meat mixture into meatballs, about 1-2 inches in diameter.

  3. Bake the Meatballs

    Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked.

  4. Heat the Marinara Sauce

    While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.

  5. Prepare the Rolls

    Slice the sub rolls in half and lightly toast them if desired.

  6. Assemble the Subs

    Once the meatballs are cooked, place them inside the toasted sub rolls. Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs.

  7. Add Cheese

    Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the sauce and meatballs.

  8. Melt the Cheese

    Place the assembled subs under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  9. Serve and Garnish

    Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil. Serve hot.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store leftovers, let the meatballs cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for longer shelf life. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These hearty subs go well with a side of crispy fries, a fresh green salad, or even coleslaw to add a crunchy element. You can also serve them with pickles or jalapeños for an extra kick.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to substitute the ground beef for turkey or chicken, and experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella or pepper jack. You can also add sautéed bell peppers or onions into the meat mixture for added flavor.