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Slow Cooker Meatballs Subs Recipe

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4.3 from 6 reviews

These Slow Cooker Meatball Subs are a comforting and easy-to-make meal perfect for family dinners or entertaining. Tender Italian-style meatballs simmered in rich marinara sauce are piled high on toasted hoagie buns with layers of gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and a sprinkle of Parmesan and Italian seasoning, then baked to melty perfection.

Ingredients

Meatball and Sauce

  • 60 frozen, fully cooked Italian-style meatballs
  • 2 (24 ounce) jars marinara sauce (or spaghetti sauce)

Subs

  • 12 hoagie buns (or brat or large hot dog buns)
  • 12 slices mozzarella, halved
  • 6 ounces pepperoni slices
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Prepare Meatballs: Place the frozen Italian-style meatballs and marinara sauce into a greased or lined slow cooker. Stir gently to coat the meatballs evenly with the sauce.
  2. Cook in Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and infused with the sauce.
  3. Preheat Oven and Prepare Buns: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the hoagie buns lengthwise. On the bottom half of each bun, place two half-slices of mozzarella and a few pepperoni slices, creating a cheesy base layer.
  4. Assemble Subs: Top each prepared bun bottom with 6 meatballs along with some sauce from the slow cooker. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella, 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of Italian seasoning over the meatballs.
  5. Bake Subs: Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 5-6 minutes until the cheese melts and the buns are lightly toasted. For buffet-style serving, the baking step can be skipped.

Notes

  • You can substitute brat or large hot dog buns if hoagie buns are unavailable.
  • Using frozen fully cooked meatballs significantly cuts down preparation time.
  • To save time, assemble the subs ahead and bake just before serving.
  • If preferred, top the subs with fresh basil or crushed red pepper for extra flavor.

Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/slow-cooker-meatballs-subs-recipe/