These homemade turkey meatball subs are a flavor-packed twist on a classic comfort food, ready in just 25 minutes. Juicy, herb-infused turkey meatballs are nestled in a soft, toasted roll, smothered in rich marinara and melted cheese. The combination of tender meatballs, gooey cheese, and tangy sauce creates a mouthwatering harmony of textures and flavors. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch, this dish delivers a hearty, protein-rich meal without skimping on taste. Each bite is a comforting blend of savory, cheesy, and slightly sweet notes that will leave you craving more.
With only 15 minutes of cook time, this recipe is as convenient as it is delicious. The golden, toasted bread gives way to a warm, melty center, while the turkey meatballs stay moist and flavorful. A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dash of red pepper flakes can add a bright, zesty kick. Packed with 33g of protein and balanced with wholesome ingredients, these subs are a guilt-free indulgence. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
What You’ll Need for Homemade Turkey Meatball Subs
- 1 pound ground turkey (or substitute with ground chicken for a lighter option)
- ½ cup bread crumbs (use panko for extra crunch or gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt (or substitute with ½ teaspoon garlic powder + ¼ teaspoon salt)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated works best for flavor)
- 1 large egg (acts as a binder for the meatballs)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil (for moisture and flavor)
- 1 Tablespoon Montreal steak seasoning (or use your favorite all-purpose seasoning blend)
- 1 jar marinara sauce (about 24 oz, or use homemade sauce if preferred)
- 16 slices Provolone cheese (2 slices per sub, or swap with mozzarella for a milder flavor)
- 8 buns or sandwich rolls (hoagie rolls or Italian bread work great)
How to Make Turkey Meatball Subs
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet and set aside.
- Mix the meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, bread crumbs, basil, oregano, parsley, garlic salt, parmesan cheese, egg, olive oil, and steak seasoning. Mix until just combined (avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender).
- Form the meatballs: Scoop out the mixture and roll into 1½-inch meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake the meatballs: Cook in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the buns: While the meatballs bake, slice the buns in half and place them on a separate baking tray. Add 2 slices of provolone cheese to the top half of each bun.
- Broil the buns: Preheat the oven to broil. Toast the buns for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden brown. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Warm the marinara sauce: Heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over low-medium heat or microwave until warmed through.
- Assemble the subs: Place 3-4 meatballs on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Spoon marinara sauce generously over the meatballs, then top with the cheesy bun half.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately while warm, and pair with a side salad or chips for a complete meal!
Creative Sauce and Topping Ideas
While marinara sauce is a classic choice, you can switch things up with pesto, alfredo sauce, or even a spicy arrabbiata for a kick. For toppings, try adding sautéed bell peppers and onions, fresh arugula, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor and texture.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
These turkey meatball subs pair wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a lighter option, serve with oven-roasted vegetables or sweet potato fries. Don’t forget a cold drink like iced tea or sparkling water to balance the richness!
Storing and Reheating Made Easy
Store leftover meatballs and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the meatballs in the sauce on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Assemble the subs fresh to keep the buns from getting soggy. You can also freeze the meatballs (without sauce) for up to 2 months—just thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy!
Quick Time-Saving Tips
To save time, prepare the meatball mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. You can also use pre-made marinara sauce or frozen meatballs (just bake or heat them up). If you’re short on time, skip toasting the buns—they’ll still taste delicious!
Common Questions Answered
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey? Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well. Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or rolled oats. What if I don’t have Montreal steak seasoning? Use a mix of black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika as a substitute.
Homemade Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon Montreal steak seasoning
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 16 slices Provolone cheese
- 8 buns, or sandwich rolls
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a large bowl, mix together turkey, bread crumbs, basil, oregano, parsley, garlic salt, Parmesan cheese, egg, olive oil, and steak spice. Form meat mixture into 1-1/2″ meatballs and place on a greased cookie sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Slice buns in half and place on a baking tray. Place two slices of provolone cheese on the top half of each bun. Preheat oven to broil and lightly toast buns until golden brown and cheese has melted.
- Warm marinara sauce in a large saucepan over low-medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
- Top the bottom half of each toasted bun with 3-4 meatballs, cover in marinara sauce and replace the top half of each bun.