Epic Vegan Meatball Subs

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.

If you love traditional dinner recipes turned deliciously plant-based, don’t miss out on our vegan lasagna casserole, creamy mac and cheese without dairy, and comforting “chicken” and dumplings soup recipe!

Why This Plant-Based Sub Sandwich is So Awesome

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!

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