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Try making Crockpot Meatball Sub recipe for an easy homemade meal everyone will enjoy. The meatballs and yummy sauce make a sub that everyone will want more of!
This crock pot meatball recipe is so simple but really amazing. We love to cook these on busy nights or even for parties. We have served these for game night, birthday parties and other celebrations for an easy appetizer recipe.
Meatballs always a crowd favorite. Making these meatballs from scratch allows me to change the recipe to what we prefer. You may also this Crockpot BBQ Meatballs Recipe.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
We make these meatball subs as a quick and easy weeknight meal. Everyone loves them and they are perfect served with many different sides.
The meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and preparation for a weeknight meal. Serve these for your next game day party for a crowd pleasing meal.
Ingredients
For Meatballs
- Ground Beef
- Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan Cheese
- Minced Garlic
- Italian Seasoning
- Salt & Pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- Crushed Tomatoes (24 oz)
- Italian Seasoning
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional)
For the Sandwich
- Sliced Mozzarella or Shredded Mozzarella
- Hoagie Buns
Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.
Variations Ideas
- Hoagie Rolls – This crock pot meatballs subs can be made with different types of sub rolls. You can even use hot dog buns for a budget friendly option.
- Seasoning – We like the Italian Seasoning blend, but you can add in seasoning you prefer. I usually start with about ¼ teaspoon and add more to taste. We suggest garlic powder, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
- Sauce – Feel free to use any type of pasta sauce that you prefer. You can use spaghetti sauce, marinara sauce or pizza sauce.
- Change Meat – Feel free to use ground turkey or a mixture of both turkey and beef. You can also use frozen meatballs if you prefer.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1 – Add beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian Seasoning, and salt and pepper in a large bowl. Mix with your hands until combined.
Step 2 – Form into 1 or 2 inch meatballs. I made 20, but you could easily make 24.
Step 3 – Brown each meatball in a skillet.
Step 4 – Then place in the crock pot.
Step 5 – Pour the 2 cans of crushed tomatoes over the Meatballs. Add to the crock pot the Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, and fresh parsley. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
Step 6 – Place 3 meatballs on a hoagie bun. Spoon over the hoagie bun and top with the mozzarella cheese and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Meat Mixture – To combine the meatball mixture completely, we recommend combining with your hands.
- Meatballs – We recommend trying to make the meatballs about the same size so they cook evenly. Brown the meatballs in a skillet before placing in the slow cooker. This helps to lock in the flavor and gives the meatballs the best texture.
- Meatball Sandwiches – Once you top the meatballs with slice cheese it should melt. But we like to place the sandwich under the broiler for a minute or two in the oven and let the cheese melt even more.
Serving Suggestions
We like to serve these meatball subs with air fryer French Fries, steamed broccoli or potato chips. These meatballs make a great appetizer and can be served just as they are.
Place toothpicks near the slow cooker and the meatballs will stay warm as you serve them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you prefer. Make sure to double your seasoning and sauce to ensure that they are still full of flavor.
Store the leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Then when ready to serve, make your sub for a delicious lunch the next day.
For best results, we recommend toasting your subs before adding the meatballs and sauce.
More Easy Crock Pot Recipes
- Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Recipe
- Slow Cooker: Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe
- Sweet Glazed Carrots – Kid Friendly Crock pot Carrots recipe!
- Crock pot Ranch Pork Chops
- Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe
- The Best Crock Pot Roast Recipe
- Crock pot Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- The Best Crockpot Chicken Tacos Recipe – only 3 ingredients
More Easy Meatball Recipes
- Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe
- Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
- Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs
- Crockpot Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
If you make this Easy Crockpot Meatball Subs Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review. We love hearing from you.
Easy Crockpot Meatball Subs Recipe
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 2 cans of crushed tomatoes 24 oz
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley optional
For the Sandwiches:
- 8 oz sliced Mozzarella
- Hoagie buns
Instructions
- Add beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian Seasoning, and salt and pepper in a large bowl. Mix with your hands until combined.
- Form into 1 or 2 inch meatballs. I made 20, but you could easily make 24. Brown each meatball in a skillet or in your Ninja crock pot. Then place in the crock pot.
- Pour the 2 cans of crushed tomatoes over the Meatballs. Add to the crock pot the Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, and fresh parsley.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
- Place 3 meatballs on a hoagie bun. Spoon over the hoagie bun and top with the mozzarella cheese and enjoy!
Yes, you can make meatballs ahead and freeze them but I recommend waiting to assemble the subs until you are ready to serve them.
Can this be made ahead and frozen?
Don’t waste your time and money grabbing a meatball sub from the sandwich shop when you can make this flavor packed, healthy version at home. Get the kids to help roll the meatballs for a little family interaction time too. The hubby asks for this one all the time!
Made these on Sunday and they were a hit for our Football Sunday! Easy and Delicious!
No leftovers! Very good and I will make them again!
I’m not one for meatball subs, but this recipe knocks it out of the park! So easy to prepare, especially when you get the kids involved in mixing with their clean hands and rolling those meatballs! The aroma of all those spices/cheese cooking all afternoon only whet our appetite for dinnertime. The vote was in and the family requested this meal be a permanent go to at least twice a month. I even loved this meatball sub served with a side salad. Delish!
Very filling and easy to make! We gobbled them up!
I used 2-24 oz cans for this recipe. Thank you!
Do you need 2-24 ounce cans of crushed tomatoes or 24 ounce total??
Does the recipe call for two 24 oz cans of tomatoes or a total of 24 oz?