Meatball Grinder with Marinara & Mozzarella

Why Make This Recipe
Meatball Grinders with Marinara & Mozzarella are a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are enjoying a casual night in, hosting a game day party, or looking for something easy and tasty for dinner, these grinders will hit the spot. The combination of juicy meatballs, savory marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese makes for a satisfying treat that everyone will love.
How to Make Meatball Grinder with Marinara & Mozzarella
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked meatballs (homemade or frozen)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub buns
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Butter (for toasting buns)
Directions
- Heat Meatballs: In a saucepan, simmer meatballs in marinara sauce over medium-low heat for 10–15 minutes.
- Toast Rolls: Lightly butter the inside of each hoagie roll and toast in a skillet or oven until golden.
- Assemble: Place 3–4 meatballs in each toasted roll. Spoon extra marinara over the top.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle with mozzarella and broil for 1–2 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve: Top with chopped parsley and serve hot.
How to Serve Meatball Grinder with Marinara & Mozzarella
Serve the Meatball Grinder hot, right after making it. You can add extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping, along with some chips or a simple salad for a complete meal. It’s great for game day snacks, lunch, or a cozy dinner.
How to Store Meatball Grinder with Marinara & Mozzarella
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the meatballs separate from the buns to avoid sogginess. They can last for about 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving again.
Tips to Make Meatball Grinder with Marinara & Mozzarella
- Use homemade meatballs for extra flavor, or choose high-quality frozen meatballs if you’re short on time.
- Don’t skip toasting the rolls! It adds nice crunch and flavor to the grinder.
- For added flavor, sprinkle some Italian seasoning over the meatballs before adding the cheese.
Variation
You can make a spicy version of this grinder by adding sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce. You can also use different types of cheeses, like provolone or pepper jack, for a twist.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and marinara sauce ahead of time. Just heat them up before assembling the grinders.
Can I use other types of rolls?
Yes! You can use any type of bread you like, such as baguettes or even regular sandwich bread.
What can I serve with Meatball Grinders?
These grinders go well with a side of coleslaw, potato chips, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.

Meatball Grinder with Marinara & Mozzarella
Ingredients
For the Meatball Filling
- 1 lb cooked meatballs (homemade or frozen)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Grinder
- 4 pieces hoagie rolls or sub buns
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional) For garnish
- as needed Butter For toasting buns
Instructions
Preparation
- In a saucepan, simmer meatballs in marinara sauce over medium-low heat for 10–15 minutes.
Cooking
- Lightly butter the inside of each hoagie roll and toast in a skillet or oven until golden.
- Place 3–4 meatballs in each toasted roll. Spoon extra marinara over the top.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and broil for 1–2 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving
- Top with chopped parsley and serve hot.