Easy Copycat Firehouse Subs Meatball Sub Recipe

Bring the iconic Firehouse Meatball Sub to your kitchen with this easy copycat recipe. Juicy meatballs, savory sauce, and melty cheese come together for the ultimate homemade sandwich experience.

Craving that signature, comforting taste of a Firehouse Subs Meatball Sub but don’t want to leave the house?

This easy copycat recipe brings all the flavor and satisfaction right to your kitchen!

We’ve cracked the code on what makes their sandwich so irresistible: perfectly seasoned, juicy meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and the essential secret—a wonderfully soft, steamed and toasted hoagie roll topped with gooey melted provolone cheese.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Quick & Easy – Minimal prep, maximum flavor—perfect for busy weeknights.
• Crowd-Pleaser – Everyone will be asking for seconds (and thirds).
• Flavor-Packed – Bold, savory, and perfectly seasoned in every bite.
• Versatile – Serve as a main dish, sandwich, or appetizer.
• Comfort Food Bliss – Warm, hearty, and ridiculously satisfying.

Firehouse Subs Meatball Sub Ingredients

• Ground beef: Fresh, high-quality beef for juicy, flavorful meatballs.
• Italian sausage: Adds savory depth and authentic Italian flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind meatballs while keeping them tender.
• Eggs: Acts as a binder to hold meatballs together.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp, nutty flavor enhances the meatball mixture.
• Minced garlic: Provides aromatic, savory punch to the meatballs.
• Dried Italian seasoning: Classic blend of herbs for traditional flavor.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all flavors.
• Marinara sauce: Rich tomato sauce for saucy, delicious meatballs.
• Hoagie rolls: Soft, sturdy bread perfect for stuffing meatballs.
• Provolone or mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully over hot meatballs for gooey goodness.
• Olive oil (optional): Helps sear meatballs for extra golden crust.

How To Make Firehouse Subs Meatball Subs

Step One: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined, but don’t overwork it.

Step Two: Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 ½ inches in diameter.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place meatballs in the basket, leaving space between them. Cook 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
• Stovetop Method: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides, then remove.

Step Three: Transfer meatballs to a pot with marinara sauce. Simmer over low heat for 10–15 minutes until cooked through and flavorful. Slice the hoagie rolls open. Toast lightly if desired.

Step Four: Place 3–4 meatballs per roll, spoon extra marinara over them, and top with provolone or mozzarella cheese. Pop assembled subs under the broiler or in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Easy Copycat Firehouse Subs Meatball Sub Recipe Tips

• Mix gently – Overworking the meat makes dense, rubbery meatballs. Light hands = tender results.
• Uniform size matters – Keep the meatballs the same size so they cook evenly and finish at the same time.
• Brown first, simmer after – Get that golden crust, then let them bathe in sauce for real flavor.
• Use thick marinara – Thin sauce turns your sub into a soggy situation real fast.
• Toast the rolls – It keeps the bread from going limp under all that saucy goodness.
• Don’t be shy with cheese – Provolone or mozzarella go on thick for that melty, gooey goodness.
• Broil for the finish – A quick blast of heat gives you that Firehouse-style melt.
• Let them rest for a minute – This helps everything set up instead of sliding everywhere.
• Serve immediately – These subs wait for no one. They’re best piping hot.

Storing and Make Ahead Instructions

• Storing Instructions: Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the hoagie rolls separate so they don’t get soggy, and reheat the meatballs before assembling.
• Make Ahead Instructions: You can shape the meatballs and refrigerate them up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also fully cook the meatballs in sauce ahead of time and reheat when ready to build your subs.

Easy Copycat Firehouse Subs Meatball Sub Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen meatballs? Yes. Frozen meatballs work great and save time. Heat them through, then simmer in marinara before building your sub.

What cheese is closest to Firehouse Subs? Provolone is your best match. Mozzarella works too if you like extra melt and stretch.

How do I keep the bread from getting soggy? Toast the hoagie rolls first and don’t drown them in sauce. A little goes a long way.

Can I make these for a party? Absolutely. Turn them into sliders by using mini rolls and smaller meatballs.

Are these spicy? Not unless you want them to be. Add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage to turn up the heat.

What sides go best with this sandwich? Chips, garlic fries, a simple salad, or pasta salad all work perfectly.

More Copycat Recipes

• COPYCAT ARBY’S BEEF AND CHEDDAR SANDWICHES
• AIR FRYER CHICKEN QUESADILLA
• HOW TO AIR FRY NUTELLA SANDWICH 
• AIR FRYER PIZZA LUNCHABLES

Don’t Forget To Pin!

Share Your Creations! Are you active on Facebook? Join our Air Fryer Recipes Group, where hundreds of thousands of Air Fryer enthusiasts gather and share your photos! I’m always thrilled to see what you’ve made. For those on Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @forktospoon – I can’t wait to admire your culinary adventures!​