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 served inside a roll and topped with gooey melted cheese.
For more delicious and easy to make family dinner ideas to bring everyone together, be sure to look through the full collection of recipes.
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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
- Tips for Making Homemade Meatballs
- Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Main Ingredients Needed
- Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Slow Cooker Instructions
- Before you Begin!
- Side Dish for Meatball Sandwiches
- Recipe FAQ's
- How to Store, Freeze and Thaw Cooked Meatballs
- More Recipes You'll Love!
- 🗒️Shopping List
- 📖 Recipe Card
- 💬 Comments
Tips for Making Homemade Meatballs
These homemade meatballs are made in the slow cooker, and the results are tender and juicy!
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!
For best results, make sure the meatballs are arranged in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker then add the tomato sauce on top.
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
Below is a quick preview of the ingredients you’ll need. For exact amounts, check the recipe card below. You can also use the "Shopping List button" to create a printable shopping list, or the "Get Ingredients button" in the recipe card to order groceries online.
Substitutions and Variations
- If you don't have rolls, try using top sliced hot dog buns, or even dinner rolls.
- When I have time, I love making my Homemade French Baguette Recipe.
- 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!
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
Step-by-Step Instructions
This section includes step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through the recipe. For the complete printable version, scroll down to the recipe card below.
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.
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.
Step 9: Add the tomato sauce on top of the meatballs.
Step 10: Cook the sauce and meatballs on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.
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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Side Dish for Meatball 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's
To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!
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.
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.
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.
How to Store, Freeze and Thaw Cooked Meatballs
Refrigerate: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze leftover meatballs in sauce in an airtight container. To prep ahead, cook, cool, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Thaw and Reheat: Thaw meatballs in sauce overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the microwave, oven, or slow cooker. If made ahead, add thawed meatballs to the slow cooker and continue the recipe.
More Recipes You'll Love!
Check out my other recipe for Slow Cooker Homemade Tomato Sauce with Meatballs. You might enjoy this recipe for Turkey Meatball Lettuce Wraps. If you need more ground beef recipes, check out my collection of 19 Hamburger Casserole Recipes.
🗒️Shopping List
Click the button below to instantly create a shopping list for this recipe.
📖 Recipe Card
Meatball Sandwich Recipe
Video
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
Method
- 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. Cover with the tomato sauce. Cook the sauce and meatballs on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, place 3 meatballs on a bun and top with mozzarella. Top with fresh basil if you like.
Nutrition
Notes
- If you don't have rolls, try using top sliced hot dog buns, or even dinner rolls.
- When I have time, I love making my Homemade French Baguette Recipe.
- 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!
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.