Seriously the BEST vegan meatball subs you'll ever try! The secret is the flavorful simmered marinara sauce, which comes together easily and pairs perfectly with store-bought vegan meatballs. Quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you. Please read my policy page.
If you’ve been craving a warm, saucy, and totally satisfying sandwich, these vegan meatball subs are here to make your day. They’ve got all the cozy comfort of the classic, just made with plant-based goodness instead. You’ll load up one (or more!) toasted sub rolls with juicy vegan meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melty dairy-free cheese. They’re messy in the best way and tastes amazing from the first bite to the last.
This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal. You can use store-bought vegan meatballs or make your own plant-based meatballs at home. Either way, it comes together fast and is easy to customize. We’ll walk you through everything you need—plus some tasty tips to make it just right.
These vegan meatball subs are warm, saucy, and packed with bold, comforting flavors. They’re super easy to make with store-bought or homemade meatballs and your favorite marinara. Toasty bread, melty dairy-free cheese, and hearty plant-based goodness make every bite totally satisfying.
Big on Comfort. There’s something super satisfying about a warm sub stuffed with saucy meatballs and melty cheese. It’s cozy, filling, and hits the spot when you want a comfort food fix. Even better, this plant-based version gives you all that without any heaviness.
Easy to Make. Whether you use store-bought vegan meatballs or make your own, this recipe is pretty simple. Just toast the bread, heat the sauce, and layer it all together. It’s a great choice for a quick weeknight meal.
Family-Friendly Recipe. Even picky eaters love this one! The meatballs and sauce combo is a classic that works for kids and adults alike. It’s a fun dinner that feels a little special but doesn’t take a lot of work.
Great for Meal Prep. Make a batch of vegan meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. Then, just heat and build your sub when you’re ready to eat. It’s a great way to have a quick meal ready to go.
Satisfies That Craving. Missing traditional meatball subs? This recipe brings that same flavor and feel, but with plants. It’s rich, savory, and super satisfying—without needing any animal products.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
This recipe keeps things simple with four main ingredients: vegan meatballs, marinara sauce, sub rolls, and dairy-free cheese. Each one plays a big part in bringing the flavor, texture, and comfort of a classic meatball sub. We’ll show you easy swaps and tips so you can tweak it to fit your taste or what you’ve got on hand!
Vegan Meatballs – Bring the hearty texture and savory flavor that makes this sandwich so satisfying. You can use frozen store-bought meatballs to save time, or make homemade veggie balls with lentils, chickpeas, or plant-based ground meat. If you want a gluten-free option, check the label or make them yourself using oats or rice as the base.
Dairy-Free Cheese Shreds – Adds that melty, gooey goodness that makes a sub feel complete. Cheese balances the tangy sauce and meaty texture with a creamy touch. Use your favorite plant-based mozzarella or provolone-style shreds. To help it melt better, cover your sub briefly under foil in the oven or broiler. Or skip the cheese and add a drizzle of vegan garlic aioli or pine nut pesto (or pesto with walnuts) for something different.
Pasta Sauce – Adds moisture, bold tomato taste, and a little tang that complements the meatballs perfectly. Go with a jarred marinara for convenience, or make a quick homemade pasta sauce or arrabiata sauce with canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. If you like a little spice, toss in red pepper flakes or chili oil.
Sub Roll – Holds everything together. It should be soft inside with a slightly crusty outside to soak up that sauce without falling apart. Try a classic hoagie roll or baguette-style bun. For a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free sandwich rolls or use a sturdy lettuce wrap if you want something lighter.
How to Make The Best Vegan Meatballs Subs
You could certainly grab a jar of sauce, microwave it with vegan meatballs, throw it on a roll, and call it a day. But, we promise that the little extra TLC involved in simmering the sauce and leveling up the basic marinara flavor is well worth the effort. Simmering the sauce with onion, bell peppers, jalapeno, and spices creates the most incredible blanket of flavor for your veggie meatballs.
Step 1: Cook the Meatballs and Sauce – Pour the marinara sauce into a large saucepan and stir in your favorite spices. Add the frozen vegan meatballs, cover, and heat over medium until it starts to boil (about 15 minutes). Turn the heat to medium-low, add chopped bell peppers, onions, and jalapeño if you like some spice, then cover and simmer for about 30 minutes—stir now and then.
Step 2: Prep the Rolls – Slice open your sub rolls and press down the inside a bit with your fingers to make room for the filling. Add some dairy-free cheese inside each roll, then microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften and melt the cheese slightly.
Finally, Step 3: Build Your Subs – Spoon the hot meatballs and sauce into each roll. If you want it extra cheesy, sprinkle more vegan cheese on top and broil for a minute or two until melty and golden. Dig in and enjoy!
Helpful Serving Tips and Suggestions
These vegan meatball subs make for a great dish to take to parties. For a recent friends get-together, we took a crock pot of marinara meatballs and some slider rolls and they were a huge hit. They’ve now been served to countless friends and family members—vegan and omnivore alike—all with rave reviews!
Toast Your Rolls Just Right – Pop your rolls in the oven or toaster oven for a few minutes before filling. A lightly crispy outside gives the perfect crunch and helps the bread hold up to the saucy filling.
Add a Pickle on the Side – A crunchy dill pickle (or some homemade pickled veggies) adds a fun, tangy contrast to the rich, savory sub. It’s a small touch, but it makes the whole meal feel complete.
Make It a Mini Party Sub Bar – Hosting friends? Set up a DIY sub bar with warmed meatballs, sauce, rolls, toppings, and cheese. Everyone can build their own just how they like it!
Try a Spicy Garlic Drizzle – Mix a little vegan mayo with garlic and hot sauce, then drizzle it over your sub. It adds creamy heat and takes things to the next level.
FAQs
How do I store leftover vegan meatball subs?
To store leftover plant-based meatball subs, it’s best to separate the components. Keep the meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store the bread and cheese separately, then reheat and assemble when you’re ready to eat—it helps keep the bread from getting soggy!
How do I reheat a vegan meatball hoagie with dairy-free cheese?
To reheat your vegan meatball subs, warm the meatballs and sauce in a pan or microwave until hot, adding a splash of water if needed. Toast the bread in the oven for a few minutes and melt the vegan cheese on top, or use the microwave if you’re short on time. Then just fill the roll with the hot meatballs and sauce, and broil for a minute if you want extra melty goodness!
Can I make this vegan sandwich recipe gluten-free?
It’s super easy to make this vegan meatball sub gluten-free! Just use gluten-free sub rolls or sandwich buns, and make sure your vegetable meatballs are labeled gluten-free (or make your own with oats, lentils, or rice). Also, double-check that your homemade tomato sauce and plant-based cheese don’t have any hidden gluten—most don’t, but it’s always good to check the label.
These vegan meatball subs are easy to make and will satisfy any meat-lover’s cravings for a hearty, savory meal. If you like leftovers or are cooking for more than two, double the recipe!
½bell pepper, sliced or chopped, or 1 cup frozen bell pepper slices
¼cuponion, sliced or diced
¼jalapeño, diced, optional for additional spice
2hoagie rolls, deli fresh crusty bread rolls
½cupvegan cheese shreds, such as grated Miyoko's Mozz
Instructions
In a large saucepan add marinara sauce and spices and mix thoroughly.
Then add frozen meatballs, cover over medium heat, and allow to come to a boil (about 15 minutes). Reduce heat to medium-low, add bell peppers, onions, and optional jalapeño and allow to simmer, covered, for 30 minutes (or until meatballs are hot all the way through), stirring occasionally.
To prepare rolls, slice open and use your fingers to compress the inner roll. Add cheese inside the roll and heat in microwave for 10-15 seconds per roll to soften and melt.
Fill each roll with piping hot meatballs and sauce. (If desired, add extra cheese on top and broil briefly to melt.)
Video
Notes
Got Leftovers? If you’re cooking for more than two or love leftovers, double the recipe! The leftover meatballs and sauce make a great addition to a pasta marinara for dinner the following night.
Storing Tips: It’s best to separate the components. Keep the meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store the bread and cheese separately, then reheat and assemble when you’re ready to eat—it helps keep the bread from getting soggy!
New winner every month! Drop your name below for a chance to win hundreds of dollars of vegan prizes from our brand partners. You’ll also receive our weekly e-newsletter with plant-based recipes galore!
Out of this world!! They’re just like the meatball subs that my Italian grandmother used to make when I was growing up. I love them! The tips on how to get the sub itself prepped and how to add the cheese were really helpful. Even my non-vegan husband asked for more! Highly recommended!
Leave a Comment
Omg Subway can not top this! To make it even better its plant-based! 🙂
Love that Greg’s meals live on!
These vegan meatball subs are incredible! Subway at home and cruelty-free!
Out of this world!! They’re just like the meatball subs that my Italian grandmother used to make when I was growing up. I love them! The tips on how to get the sub itself prepped and how to add the cheese were really helpful. Even my non-vegan husband asked for more! Highly recommended!
I must have made these at LEAST a dozen times. SO good!
Wow, these subs look incredible and so so delicious! All of the photos look really great as well and are making me hungry! 🙂
These meatball subs are so good—I love Gardein! Great for spicing up your lunch routine.