Craving a hearty and satisfying meal? This Meatball Sandwich Recipe will hit the spot.
This classic comfort food made in the slow cooker with a homemade marinara sauce. It's all nestled inside a roll and topped with gooey melted cheese.
Whether you're feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual get together, this sandwich is a surefire way to please a crowd.
For more delicious and easy to make family dinner ideas to bring everyone together, be sure to look through the full collection of recipes.
Meatball sandwiches have become a staple in our weekly meal plan rotation. They're a lifesaver after a long workday, especially if you prep the meatballs and sauce over the weekend – dinner's on the table in a flash!
Top it all off with mozzarella cheese for a classic sandwich that is a delicious, comforting meal that’s sure to please the whole family.
Looking for more sandwich recipes? Try my Steak Sandwich, Sausage and Peppers Sandwich, and even my Chicken Parmigiana Sandwich. Yum!
Table of Contents
- Recipe Notes
- Can I cook the meatballs in the oven instead of the slow cooker?
- Can I use store bought meatballs instead of making them from scratch?
- Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Main Ingredients Needed
- Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Quick Tip
- Slow Cooker Instructions
- Before you Begin!
- What to Serve with Sandwiches
- Recipe FAQ
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- More Recipes You'll Love!
- 📖 Recipe Card
- 💬 Comments
Recipe Notes
These homemade meatballs are made in the slow cooker, and the results are tender and juicy!
For best results, make sure the meatballs are arranged in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
This ensures they cook evenly and hold their shape. They're cooked on their own for the first 2 hours and then the tomato sauce is added for the last hour of cook time so they don't absorb too much liquid and become overly soft or mushy.
Can I cook the meatballs in the oven instead of the slow cooker?
Yes, you can bake the meatballs in the oven at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. After baking, combine them with the marinara sauce and continue to cook on the stove or in the slow cooker to let the flavors meld.
Can I use store bought meatballs instead of making them from scratch?
Yes, you can use store bought meatballs for a quicker option. Just heat them up in the tomato sauce according to the package instructions and assemble your sandwiches as directed.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
The Pioneer Woman Country Garden Nesting ceramic Mixing Bowl Set, 10-Piece, Multiple Patterns
Crock Pot 4.5 Quart Manual Slow Cooker, Damask Pattern, WhiteChefAid Slow Cooker Liners, 100% Silicone Reusable Crock Pot Insert Accessories for 6-8 Oval or Round Quart Slow Cookers, Food Safe & Dishwasher Safe (Grey-Mint)Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Grater for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts
Main Ingredients Needed
Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. Find the exact amounts and click the Instacart button to easily add them to your cart – all in the printable recipe card below!
Substitutions and Variations
- If you don't have rolls, try using top sliced hot dog buns, or even dinner rolls.
- You can use jarred marinara instead of the crushed tomatoes.
- Substitute the mozzarella for another cheese that melts well. My husband loves when I use provolone!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the panko, Parmesan, and half of each seasoning in a small mixing bowl. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Italian sausage and ground beef.
Step 3: Mix the eggs and milk into the meat.
Step 4: Then add the panko mixture to the meat mixture.
Step 5: Mix until well combined.
Step 6: Portion the meat into 1-2 inch balls then let sit for 15 minutes.
Quick Tip
Use a cookie scoop to help you evenly portion out the meatballs! Not sure what size scoop to use? Grab my Cookie Scoop Size Cheat Sheet Printable...it's FREE!
Slow Cooker Instructions
Step 7: While the meatballs are resting, make the tomato sauce by combining the crushed tomatoes with the remaining seasonings.
Step 8: Add the meatballs to the bottom of a slow cooker and cook on high for 2 hours.
Step 9: After 2 hours, add the tomato sauce on top of the meatballs.
Step 10: Continue cooking for one more hour.
Step 11: Once the meatballs are done cooking, add them to a top sliced hot dog bun.
Step 12: Then top with shredded mozzarella and chopped basil if desired.
Before you Begin!
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What to Serve with Sandwiches
Meatball sandwiches pair well with side dishes like a simple salad, Air Fryer French Fries, or potato chips. You can also serve them with a side of extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Recipe FAQ
Meatballs typically cook in an air fryer in 10-12 minutes at 375°F, but cooking time can vary depending on size and air fryer model. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F internally.
The exact baking time will depend on the size of the meatballs and the desired level of browning. It usually takes around 20-30 minutes at an oven temperature of 350-375°F. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigerate: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer: You can freeze leftover meatballs in sauce in an airtight container. If you'd like to make the meatballs ahead of time, cook the meatballs, cool, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, add to a freezer bag or airtight container to freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw and Reheat: Allow the meatballs in sauce to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the microwave, oven, or slow cooker until warmed through.
Or if you made the meatballs ahead of time, put the thawed meatballs in the slow cooker and continue with the recipe from there.
More Recipes You'll Love!
- Check out my other recipe for Slow Cooker Homemade Tomato Sauce with Meatballs.
- Or you might enjoy this recipe for Turkey Meatball Lettuce Wraps.
📖 Recipe Card
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Meatball Sandwich Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup panko crumbs
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
- 1 teaspoon onion powder, divided
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 8 top sliced hot dog buns
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the crumbs, Parmesan, and half of each seasoning. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, begin to mix the two ground meats.
- Add the eggs and milk and mix.
- Finally, add the crumb mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
- Divide the meat into 1” - 2” balls and set aside for 15 minutes.
- While the meat is resting, mix the remaining spices into the crushed tomatoes and mix.
- Place the meatballs in the slow cooker and set it on high. Cook for 2 hours and then add the marinara sauce to cook for another hour.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, place 3 meatballs on a bun and top with mozzarella. Top with fresh basil if you like.
Estelle Forrest says
These meatball sandwiches would be a total win in my home. Thanks for sharing on SSPS, I hope to see you again next week. I will be featuring your recipe.