Easy Instant Pot Meatball Subs Recipe

Craving a hearty, homemade sandwich without the wait? These Easy Instant Pot Meatball Subs are packed with juicy meatballs, rich marinara, and melty cheese, ready in a fraction of the time.

If you love a classic meatball sub but hate the long wait, this Easy Instant Pot Meatball Subs recipe is your new go-to.

Juicy, perfectly seasoned meatballs cook quickly in the Instant Pot, then get smothered in rich marinara and topped with gooey melted cheese.

Wrapped in soft hoagie rolls, these sandwiches are comforting, flavorful, and ready to enjoy in a fraction of the time it takes to make them the traditional way.

If you are looking for even more Instant Pot Meals that your entire family will love, some of my favorites are NINJA FOODI COPYCAT MAC & CHEESE, and INSTANT POT GUINNESS IRISH BEEF STEW.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Juicy meatballs every time: The Instant Pot locks in flavor and moisture.
• Quick and easy: Ready in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.
• Perfectly melty cheese: Tops each sub with gooey, irresistible goodness.
• Comfort food classic: All the flavors of a deli sub from your own kitchen.
• Family-friendly: Big, satisfying sandwiches everyone at the table will love.

Ingredients Needed

• Frozen Meatballs: Convenient, pre-made meatballs for quick, easy cooking.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Rich tomato base that creates flavorful marinara sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: Classic blend of herbs for authentic Italian flavor.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds color and subtle brightness.
• Salt: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth to the dish.

How To Make Easy Instant Pot Meatball Subs

Step One: Add your frozen meatballs into the Instant Pot Bowl. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, Italian Seasoning, parsley, salt, and black pepper.

Step Two: Add the lid, securing it as the instructions, and set cook time for 5 minutes at manual high pressure. When the time is done, do a quick release.

Easy Instant Pot Meatball Subs Recipe Tips

• If you get a BURN notice on the Instant Pot, that means that something on the bottom of the Instant Pot Bowl is getting too much heat. So, for best results, stir the meatballs and sauce before adding the lid.
• Make sure to do a quick release. Otherwise, your meatballs will become soggy.
• If you find that your meatballs are still not cooked, return the lid to the Instant Pot and add a few more minutes to the cooking time (1 to 2)
• You can make these without the sauce. Just add the same amount of water or beef broth into the bowl.

Storing, Freezing and Reheating Instructions

• Storing: Place leftover meatball subs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the meatballs and sauce separate from the bread if possible to prevent sogginess.
• Freezing: Wrap individual meatball subs tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat refrigerated subs in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until warm and the cheese is melted. For frozen subs, bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or until heated through.

Easy Instant Pot Meatball Subs Recipe Recipe Faqs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen? Yes! Homemade meatballs work perfectly and can be cooked directly in the Instant Pot with the sauce.

Can I make the subs ahead of time? Absolutely. Prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance, then assemble the subs just before serving.

What bread works best? Soft hoagie or sub rolls hold the meatballs and sauce nicely without falling apart.

Can I freeze the assembled subs? It’s better to freeze the meatballs and sauce separately, then assemble the subs when ready to eat.

How do I keep the bread from getting soggy? Toast the rolls lightly before assembling and add sauce just before serving for best results.

Can I make them spicy? Yes! Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinara or meatballs for a kick.

Is this recipe kid-friendly? Definitely. Keep the sauce mild for younger kids, and they’ll love the gooey cheese and tender meatballs

Serving Suggestions

• Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
• Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
• Air Fryer Garlic Bread

More Easy Instant Pot Recipes

• INSTANT POT BROCCOLI AND CHEDDAR CHEESE SOUP
• INSTANT POT RED VELVET CAKE
• NINJA FOODI CHICKEN ALFREDO
• INSTANT POT COPYCAT NORDSTROM’S TOMATO BASIL SOUP

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