↑

The Magical Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Recipes

  • Recipe Box
  • Buy my Digital Cookbook
  • About me
  • Contact Me
  • Free Slow Cooker Newsletter
    • Visit us on Pinterest
    • Visit us on Instagram
    • Visit us on Youtube
    • Visit us on Facebook
    • Visit us on Twitter

The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Beef » Slow Cooker Meatball Subs

Slow Cooker Meatball Subs

by Sarah Olson on May 9, 2022 | Updated May 18, 2022 6 Comments

309 shares
  • 82
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
long image of meatball subs for pinterest
collage of meatball sub images with text overlay for pinterest

With only four ingredients and all the tasty Italian flavors, this slow cooker meatball subs recipe is sure to make your busy weeknight meal plan shine. There is little to no prep time and a modest cook time that helps take the stress out of knowing what to cook last minute.

Frozen meatballs are very versatile! We also make Grape Jelly Meatballs and Teriyaki Meatballs for parties when we aren’t making this!

meatballs subs in front of slow cooker.

Why This Recipe Works

This meatball hoagie is the perfect stress-free recipe, whether you are looking for something quick and super easy to put on the dinner table or a dish that can easily be transported to a potluck. You don’t have to worry about making the meatballs yourself. And there are only a couple of seasonings in addition to the marinara sauce base.

Not to mention, you can do much more with these meatballs other than using them for sub sandwiches, making this a versatile recipe to keep on hand. Get ready to add this family-friendly meatball sub recipe to your recipe book!

Recipe Ingredients

ingredients for meatballs subs on table.
  • Frozen meatballs: grab your preferred meat version, whether it’s beef, pork, turkey, or chicken, from the freezer section of your local grocery store. We love the Italian frozen meatballs for this recipe.
  • Marinara sauce: Like spaghetti sauce, marinara creates the pizza-like sauce base for the subs and can be used as an extra topping.
  • Seasonings: Italian seasoning and garlic powder give the overall dish a kick of flavor.
  • Olive oil spray: used to create a nonstick barrier in the crockpot.

Step-by-Step Instructions

one image on how to add seasonings to marinara and one of marinara and meatballs in slow cooker.

Step One – Add the marinara pasta sauce and seasonings into an olive oil-sprayed crockpot and stir.

Step Two – Add the meatballs into the sauce mixture. Cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5 hours. Stir occasionally to avoid burning around the edges. Serve the hot meatballs on sub rolls or hoagie buns.

meatballs in marinara on a spoon.

Variations

  • Sliders: In this recipe, we suggest putting the meatballs on hoagie buns or hoagie rolls, instead, use small slider buns and use only one meatball per bun. Top it with additional sauce and sliced provolone or shredded mozzarella cheese.
  • Pizza Subs: Add a pepperoni on top of each meatball for a pizza-flavored sub. Also, top with red onion and olives.
  • Appetizer: Leaving the meatballs as-is will give you a good appetizer choice. Consider serving with a side of toothpicks and small squares of cheese.
  • Casserole: With the meatballs already made, you could easily use them for a cheesy casserole. Cook them in the crockpot according to the directions below and top them with cheese. Serve with pasta and a side of garlic bread or garlic sticks.
hand holding a meatball subs.

Recipe FAQs

Is this recipe easy to double or even triple?

Yes! If you’re cooking for a larger crowd, simply double the amount of ingredients needed. Keep in mind the more you add, the longer it may take to cook.

How do you store leftover slow cooker meatballs?

Leftover meatballs can be placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for about three days and in the freezer for up to three months.

How many meatballs per person?

Account for 4-5 meatballs per person when preparing this recipe. Note you can double the recipe if needed.

How do I keep my buns from getting soggy?

Place the cheese down first on your buns and that adds a layer of protection so the buns don’t fall apart.

plate of meatballs subs with cheese and parsley.

Want to make more magic in your crockpot? Stay up to date and subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

close up of meatball subs with cheese

Slow Cooker Meatball Subs Recipe

4.67 from 3 votes
Transform frozen meatballs into a fun dinner! Place the meatballs and marinara on hoagie rolls and top with cheese.
Print Pin Rate Share by Text
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 342kcal
Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment Needed:

  • Slow Cooker – 5 quart or larger

Ingredients:

  • 32 oz. package frozen meatballs
  • 48 oz. marinara sauce (two 24-oz. jars)
  • 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder

For the subs:

  • split hoagie rolls
  • sliced provolone or shredded mozzarella cheese
US Customary – Metric

Instructions:

  • Prepare the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Add the sauce to the slow cooker and add garlic powder and Italian seasonings. Stir.
  • Add the meatballs to the slow cooker and stir.
  • Cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5 hours. Stir occasionally to avoid burning around the edges.
  • Serve the meatballs on split hoagie rolls along with your favorite cheese.
  • PRO tip: Place the cheese down first, so your buns don't get soggy.
Prevent your screen from going dark

Recipe Notes:

Variations:
  • Sliders: In this recipe, we suggest putting the meatballs on hoagie buns or hoagie rolls, instead use small slider buns and use only one meatball per bun. Top it with additional sauce and sliced provolone or shredded mozzarella cheese.
  • Pizza Subs: Add a pepperoni on top of each meatball for a pizza-flavored sub. Also, top with red onion and olives.
  • Appetizer: Leaving the meatballs as-is will give you a good appetizer choice. Consider serving with a side of toothpicks and small squares of cheese.
  • Casserole: With the meatballs already made, you could easily use them for a cheesy casserole. Cook them in the crockpot according to the directions below and top them with cheese. Serve with pasta and a side of garlic bread or garlic sticks.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! If you’re cooking for a larger crowd, simply double the amount of ingredients needed. Keep in mind the more you add, the longer it may take to cook.
How many meatballs should I serve per person?
Account for 4-5 meatballs per person when preparing this recipe. Note you can double the recipe if needed.
 
Nutritional info does not include the rolls or cheese.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 342kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 870mg | Potassium: 841mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 753IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

Made this recipe?I want to see your photos! Tag me on Instagram @themagicalslowcooker

More Slow Cooker Meatball Recipes

  • Slow Cooker Pizza Meatballs
  • Easy Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs
  • Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs
  • Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs
  • Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs

FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

Get Sarah's tricks to delicious and hands-free cooking!
    309 shares
    • 82

    Filed Under: Beef, Dinner

    Comments

    1. Dabrat830 says

      May 14, 2022 at 2:27 pm

      Can i use homemade meatballs for this

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        May 15, 2022 at 7:46 am

        Yes! I usually do 4-5 hours on low for homemade meatballs.

        Reply
    2. Jean Cairns says

      May 12, 2022 at 1:12 am

      5 stars
      Look great.will be trying these thank you.

      Reply
    3. Caren Esposito says

      May 11, 2022 at 7:04 pm

      If I’m only making this for 2 people, can I half the recipe and use just one jar of sauce?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        May 11, 2022 at 8:12 pm

        Yes! You can’t ruin this recipe. That will work great.

        Reply
    4. Louis Tanguay says

      May 11, 2022 at 2:12 pm

      4 stars
      This is truly a great way to utilize the slow cooker! Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make these meatballs a go to for me. Just a cautionary note in terms of the all around flavor. Be sure to use quality Frozen Italian meatballs. Turkey meatballs work fine also, and are obviously a more healthier choice. I was going to refrain from posting name brands here…but I’m going to recommend 2 of them. “Boves” has a version of both turkey or Italian beef. And my personal favorite….Shady Brook Farms Turkey meatballs. They sell them fresh at the supermarkets in quantities of 16 per package. What I do is freeze them first then use them in this recipe. Absolutely delicious! Thanks for posting a very good one here!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Photo of Sarah Olson holding a slow cooker

    Hello! I'm Sarah

    Welcome to The Magical Slow Cooker. Let me help you find recipes for your slow cooker that you'll enjoy!
    • Visit us on Pinterest
    • Visit us on Instagram
    • Visit us on Youtube
    • Visit us on Facebook
    • Visit us on Twitter

    Slow Cooker Sides

    fried apples on a spoon coming from crockpot

    Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe {Crockpot}

    cooked caramelized onions in the slow cooker

    Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions

    slow cooker peas and carrots on a metal spoon

    Slow Cooker Peas and Carrots

    cooked cauliflower and broccoli casserole in slow cooker

    Slow Cooker Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole

    jalapeno mac and cheese cooked in a crockpot

    Slow Cooker Jalapeno Mac and Cheese

    close up of baked beans with a wooden spoon in it.

    Slow Cooker Land Your Man Baked Beans

    Magical Cooker logo

    FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

    Get Sarah's tricks to delicious and hands-free cooking!

      Most Popular Recipes

      close up of baked spaghetti in slow cooker

      Slow Cooker Baked Spaghetti {Million Dollar Spaghetti}

      close up of chocolate cake with warm peanut butter icing

      Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cake {Crockpot}

      close up of enchilada casserole

      Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole

      close up photo of chicken, potatoes and green beans in slow cooker

      Seasoned Chicken, Potatoes and Green beans

      cooked bang bang chicken in slow cooker

      Slow Cooker Bang Bang Chicken

      shredded creamy chicken with bacon and cheese on top.

      Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

      Featured on:

      Featured in BuzzFeed, The Kitchen, Popsugar, 12 Tomatoes, yummly, Today, and Country Living
      smaller magical slow cooker logo

      FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

        Privacy Policy  Nutritional Disclosure

        The Magical Slow Cooker is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
        Copyright ©2022, The Magical Slow Cooker. All Rights Reserved.
        Design by Pixel Me Designs