Sink your teeth into the ultimate comfort food with this hearty Meatball Sub Recipe, packed with juicy meatballs, gooey cheese, and layers of bold Italian flavor. It’s all tucked into perfectly toasted rolls and gloriously smothered with 1 (28 oz) jar Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce. Every bite delivers a cozy combo that’s perfect for casual family dinners, game days, or anytime you crave a bit of simple, saucy indulgence. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make meatball subs part of your regular rotation!

1 (28 oz) jar Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing complicated here, just classic, flavorful ingredients that each bring something special to your meatball sub masterpiece. From the rich, savory marinara to the melty cheese, every component counts—so grab your ingredients and prepare to fall in love!

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to your sauce; chop it small for silky results.
Olive oil: Helps sauté the aromatics beautifully.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives authentic flavor—don’t hold back!
Dried oregano: Delivers that unmistakable Italian herb note.
Garlic powder: Bumps up the savory goodness even more.
Onion powder: For a subtle background flavor that rounds everything out.
Dried parsley: Adds a pop of color and a gentle herbal touch.
Dried basil: Classic and essential in any red sauce.
Kosher salt: Brings out every flavor in the mix.
Ground thyme: Herbal and slightly minty, adding complexity to the sauce.
Celery seed: Just a small pinch is all it takes to add a hint of brightness.
Cayenne powder: For a gentle kick and that addictive warmth.
Sugar: Balances acidity in the tomatoes.
Better than Bouillon Beef Base: Deepens the savory backbone of the sauce.
Tomato paste: Thickens the sauce and makes flavors richer.
Crushed tomatoes: Your main tomato base for that hearty, rustic texture.
Diced tomatoes: Adds texture and little bites of sweet-tart tomato flavor.
Tomato sauce: Smooths the whole sauce mixture out.
Frozen meatballs: Convenient and delicious, but you can make your own if you like!
Mozzarella or Provolone cheese: Melty, stretchy, and perfect for subs.
French rolls or sandwich buns: Sturdy enough to hold all that deliciousness—don’t skimp on quality here.

How to Make 1 (28 oz) jar Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Spices

Begin with your onion—chop it nice and small so it nearly melts into the sauce. Heat olive oil in a big skillet over medium low, then add the onion and sauté until translucent and super tender. Take this slow; the sweetness develops the longer you let them cook, so don’t rush! While you’re waiting, use the time to measure out your oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, basil, salt, thyme, celery seed, cayenne, and sugar into a bowl.

Step 2: Amp Up the Flavor

As soon as the onions are mellow and fragrant, add your finely minced garlic plus all your measured spices. Stir them in and let everything cook, just until the garlic becomes aromatic (about a minute or two). Now lower the heat—garlic burns fast, and we want sweet, not bitter.

Step 3: Build the Base

Add the Better than Bouillon Beef Base and tomato paste straight into your skillet. Don’t be shy about breaking up the tomato paste and mixing it in well; it acts like a flavor bomb for your marinara. Once it’s all lush and cohesive, you’re ready for the tomatoes.

Step 4: Tomato Time—And Bring in the 1 (28 oz) jar Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce!

Now pour in that glorious 1 (28 oz) jar Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce, along with the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape up any tasty caramelized bits on the bottom of your pan. The sauce is already smelling incredible—at this point, you might want to grab a spoon for a quick taste!

Step 5: Add the Meatballs

Next comes the heart of the recipe: juicy meatballs! Gently fold the frozen meatballs into your simmering marinara and let the whole mixture bubble away. If you’re cooking on the stove, keep it going on low for about an hour to let the flavors meld; if you’re using the slow cooker, transfer everything over and set it on low for 4 hours (or on high for 2 if you’re in a hurry!). Either way, your kitchen is going to smell unbelievable.

Step 6: Prep the Bread and Cheese

While the sauce and meatballs finish, get your cheese ready—grated mozzarella, provolone, or a blend is perfect. Preheat your broiler, split your sandwich buns, and arrange them open-side up on a sheet pan. Pop them under the broiler for 1 to 3 minutes, just until golden at the edges (watch closely, they toast FAST). Then, add a layer of your cheese and broil again briefly so it melts into a bubbly shield over the bread.

Step 7: Assemble the Meatball Subs

Now the fun part! Choose if you want to set up a buffet so everyone can build their own or go the full hero route and assemble them yourself. To fill, layer the cheesy toasted bread with plenty of meatballs and a generous ladle of sauce—don’t be afraid to spoon on extra 1 (28 oz) jar Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce. Top with more cheese, then return the subs under the broiler one final time to make everything beautifully melty and irresistible.

How to Serve 1 (28 oz) jar Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce

Garnishes

Give your meatball subs a finishing touch with a scatter of chopped fresh basil, parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil. If you want a little Italian deli flair, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or red pepper flakes looks and tastes amazing on top of that bubbly cheese and rich 1 (28 oz) jar Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce.

Side Dishes

Keep the meal classic and effortless: serve your meatball subs alongside a fresh green salad, roasted broccoli, or even easy grab-and-go sides like potato chips and crunchy carrots. Trust me—these subs plus a simple side equals pure happiness.

Creative Ways to Present

Beyond the sub sandwich, try slicing these into bite-sized pieces and skewer them for a party appetizer! Or, serve in mini rolls for a crowd-pleasing slider platter. The rich flavor of 1 (28 oz) jar Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce is a hit however you style it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your meatball and sauce mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the bread, cheese, and sauce separate for the best texture. Buns can stay fresh at room temp for 2 to 3 days, ready to be toasted up fresh every time.

Freezing

The meatballs and 1 (28 oz) jar Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce are freezer rockstars! Cool everything completely, then portion into zip-top bags or containers, leaving a bit of space for the sauce to expand. Stash in the freezer for up to 6 months, so you’re always prepared for meatball sub cravings. Rolls can be frozen separately—just thaw and toast before assembling.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until piping hot. For a quick fix, microwave in a covered bowl at 50% power in short bursts, stirring between each. Always toast your bread and melt the cheese fresh for that just-made magic.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Homemade meatballs add a personal touch and extra flavor. Just swap in your favorite cooked meatballs (beef, pork, turkey, or chicken all work), and let them simmer in the sauce so they soak up all that rich 1 (28 oz) jar Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce.

Is there a shortcut for a 30-minute version?

Yes! You can make a lightning-fast version: sauté onion and garlic in oil, add 1 (28 oz) jar Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce, diced tomatoes, beef base, and frozen meatballs. Cover and simmer for about 20–25 minutes until the meatballs are heated through, then build your subs as usual.

How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Toast the buns before assembling and add a layer of cheese to the hot bread before the saucy meatballs. The melted cheese acts as a delicious barrier and keeps things crisp, even when drenched with rich 1 (28 oz) jar Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce.

Can I make these subs for a crowd or party?

Definitely! You can keep the meatballs and sauce warm in a slow cooker for self-serve sandwiches, or assemble subs in advance, line them up in a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil to serve a whole baking tray at once. It’s an easy and crowd-pleasing meal!

Can I use a different roll if I don’t have French bread?

Sure thing—any sturdy sandwich roll or hoagie bun will do the trick. Look for something a little crusty on the outside so it can hold up to the saucy, cheesy goodness of the meatballs and plenty of 1 (28 oz) jar Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a homemade Meatball Sub—especially when you have the shortcut and amazing flavor of 1 (28 oz) jar Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce. Try it for your next family dinner or big gathering, and watch smiles appear as everyone enjoys a warm, melty, saucy masterpiece!