Meatball Sub Soup: A Hearty and Delicious Twist on the Classic Sandwich

If you love meatball subs, you’re in for a treat with this Meatball Sub Soup! This cozy and hearty soup takes all the best parts of a meatball sub—the juicy meatballs, savory marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese—and turns them into a warm, comforting bowl of soup.

Perfect for chilly days or whenever you’re craving that classic sub flavor in a new way. This recipe is easy to make and can be served with crusty bread for dipping or topped with croutons for extra crunch.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven – For cooking the soup.
• Ladle – For serving the soup.
• Wooden Spoon – For stirring and handling the ingredients.

Ingredients Overview

• Meatballs – Use frozen or homemade meatballs for this recipe, depending on your preference.
• Marinara Sauce – Adds rich tomato flavor as the base of the soup.
• Beef or Chicken Broth – Enhances the flavor and provides a perfect consistency.
• Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese – Melty cheese on top adds that authentic meatball sub taste.
• Italian Seasoning – Brings together the classic Italian flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 lb frozen or homemade meatballs (about 20-25 small meatballs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
• Crusty bread or garlic bread, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add Marinara and Broth: Pour in the marinara sauce and beef broth, stirring well to combine. Add the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Add the Meatballs: Carefully place the meatballs into the soup. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to heat through.
4. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese into the soup. Stir until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy.
5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side.

Recipe Tips

• Use Pre-Cooked Meatballs: Frozen or pre-cooked meatballs make this recipe quick and easy, but homemade meatballs work well if you have time.
• Make it Cheesy: If you love a super cheesy meatball sub, add extra mozzarella on top of each bowl and let it melt just before serving.
• Add Pasta: For a heartier soup, add small pasta like ditalini or elbow noodles to the soup during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

What to Serve With This Recipe

This soup is fantastic with a side of garlic bread, baguette slices, or a simple salad. Crusty bread is perfect for dipping, and garlic croutons can add a fun, crunchy topping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, simply combine all ingredients (except the cheese) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the cheese at the end, stir until melted, and serve.

Q: How long will leftovers last?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

Q: Can I freeze Meatball Sub Soup?
A: Yes! Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Top each bowl with extra mozzarella cheese or croutons for a nice texture. Serve with a side of crusty bread or a warm baguette for dipping. A fresh basil leaf or parsley on top adds a nice pop of color and flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb frozen or homemade meatballs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
• Crusty bread, for serving

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions for 5 minutes, then add garlic for another minute.
2. Pour in marinara sauce and beef broth. Stir and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the meatballs and bring the soup to a simmer for 15-20 minutes.
4. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted.
5. Serve with basil or parsley garnish and a side of crusty bread.

meatball subs

If you love meatball subs, you’re in for a treat with this Meatball Sub Soup! This cozy and hearty soup takes all the best parts of a meatball sub—the juicy meatballs, savory marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese—and turns them into a warm, comforting bowl of soup.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven – For cooking the soup.
• Ladle – For serving the soup.
• Wooden Spoon – For stirring and handling the ingredients.

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb frozen or homemade meatballs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
• Crusty bread for serving

Instructions

 

• In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions for 5 minutes, then add garlic for another minute.
• Pour in marinara sauce and beef broth. Stir and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Add the meatballs and bring the soup to a simmer for 15-20 minutes.
• Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted.