Meatball Sub

Ingredients

• 1 lbground beef$3.52
• 0.5 lbground pork$1.53
• 4 eachsub rolls$1.94
• 3 cupmarinara sauce$2.42
• 2 cupmozzarella cheese, shredded$3.49
• 0.5 cupplain breadcrumbs$0.24
• 1 eachlarge egg$0.37
• 2 eachgarlic cloves, minced$0.18
• 2 tbspfresh basil, chopped$0.30
• 1 tspkosher salt$0.01
• 1 tbspolive oil$0.13
• Total for 4 servings$14.13

Most of the cost is ground beef ($3.52) and mozzarella cheese, shredded ($3.49). With oil, spices and staples already at home, the shop drops to about $9.39. Prices are estimated for the amount used, at average US grocery prices (November 2026).

Steps

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, plain breadcrumbs, large egg, minced garlic cloves, chopped fresh basil, and kosher salt. Mix gently by hand until evenly incorporated, then shape into 12 meatballs roughly 1.5 inches in diameter.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until nicely browned on all sides.
3. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs in the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) with no pink remaining in the center.
4. While the meatballs finish simmering, position an oven rack about 6 inches beneath the broiler and turn the broiler to high. Slice the sub rolls open lengthwise without cutting entirely through, set them open-faced on a baking sheet, and toast under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden.
5. Place 3 meatballs into each toasted sub roll, spoon a ladle of marinara sauce over the top, and scatter the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across each sandwich.
6. Return the loaded subs under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the mozzarella cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden brown in spots. Transfer immediately to plates and serve hot.