Crockpot Frozen Turkey Meatball Subs

Meatball subs at home, can it be done? Yes! These turkey meatball subs could not be easier to make thanks to the slow cooker and already made ingredients. This recipe uses shortcuts like frozen meatballs and jarred sauce. With five minutes of prep time, this low-labor recipe is perfect for weeknight or game-day cooking.

Frozen turkey meatballs simmer in marinara sauce alongside bell pepper slices. The flavor of the peppers infuses the sauce for additional flavor. For the ultimate sandwich, the juicy, tender meatballs and peppers are served on top of garlic bread and then covered in mozzarella cheese. You are going to want to make these homemade meatball subs again and again!

While this recipe calls for jarred marinara sauce, you can certainly make your own Tomato Sauce too. Use your favorite brand of meatballs, but be sure to check if they are cooked or uncooked prior to using them. For homemade meatballs, try this Easy Beef Meatball Recipe.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy - The crockpot does most of the cooking for you. All that's up to you is making the garlic bread and assembling the sandwiches.
• Simple Ingredients - You will not find any fancy ingredients in this recipe. It calls for seven simple items including frozen meatballs, bell peppers, and jarred sauce.
• Weeknight Cooking or Game-Day Eats - This kid-friendly meal is perfect for weeknight cooking thanks to the crockpot. But do not limit these subs to just weeknight cooking. Turkey meatball subs are ideal game-day sandwiches too!
• Make-Ahead - Cook the meatballs and peppers ahead of time and keep warm (in the crockpot) until service.

Ingredients

• Frozen Turkey Meatballs (cooked)
• Jarred Marinara Sauce - or homemade tomato sauce
• Bell Peppers (sliced)
• Rolls - French, hoagie, or sub rolls
• Butter (room temperature)
• Garlic (minced)
• Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
• For Garnish - grated parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley

See the recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

1 - Place the frozen turkey meatballs and sliced bell peppers at the base of a slow cooker.

2 - Pour the entire jar of sauce over the meatballs and peppers. Set the slow cooker to high and cook for 2 ½ to 3 hours.

3 - In a small bowl, combine the softened butter and minced garlic. Slather the garlic butter into each roll. Set the rolls under the broiler and heat until golden brown.

4 - Stuff each toasted roll with peppers and three meatballs. Cover the meatballs in additional sauce from the slow cooker. Sprinkle each sandwich with shredded cheese. Broil until the cheese is melted.

Serve immediately.

Substitutions

• French Rolls - Use fresh French bread.
• Turkey Meatballs - Use any variety of frozen meatball.
• Cheese - Swap the part-skim mozzarella for shredded or sliced provolone or sliced mozzarella.

For a homemade meatball variation, try my Easy Beef Meatballs.

Variations

This recipe is easily adaptable, so have fun with it!

• Spicy - Add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes along with the other ingredients before cooking.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread - Cover the interior of the rolls with garlic butter and a slice, or two, of provolone cheese, then broil.

Suggested Equipment

• Crock-Pot 3.5 Quart Casserole Manual Slow Cooker
• USA Pan Bakeware Half Sheet Pan

Storage

For the best leftovers, store the meatball-pepper mixture separate from the rolls. Transfer cooled meatballs and sauce to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Already assembled the subs? That's okay! Wrap the sandwich or sandwiches individually in foil. To reheat: Place the foil-wrapped sandwich in the oven at 300 degrees F. Cook until heated and the cheese is melted. *The bottom of the sandwich will be a little soft.

Can you freeze meatball subs? The meatballs, peppers, and sauce can be frozen. Transfer the completely cooled mixture to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months.

What to Serve with Meatball Subs

Meatball subs are delicious with a multitude of sides from veggies to potato chips. Here are a few of my favorite things to serve alongside these delicious, hot sandwiches.

• Oven Fries
• Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
• Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
• Gluten-Free Halloumi Fries
• 20-Minute Pesto Potato Salad
• Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots (from frozen)

Expert Tips

1. Toast the Buns. Nobody likes a soggy sandwich. As this recipe specifies, toast the rolls prior to adding the meatballs and sauce.
2. Cover the Tray in Foil. For easier clean-up, line the sheet tray with foil.
3. Assemble Upon Service. The best meatball subs are served hot with gooey melted cheese. Wait to assemble the subs until you are ready to serve them. *This will help prevent sogginess as well.
4. Scale the Recipe. To serve more hungry people, you can easily double-up this recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you keep the buns from getting soggy?Toast the rolls prior to adding the hot meatballs and marinara. In addition, be sure to assemble the meatball sandwiches upon service not prior to. (The longer they sit, the softer the bread becomes.)

What is the best store-bought sauce for meatball subs?The answer to this question is all up to personal preference. However, I love Raos and Classico (Organic) for their flavor and ingredients.

Are frozen turkey meatballs cooked?In most cases, frozen turkey meatballs are already cooked. Be sure to check the packaging.

What toppings go well with meatball sandwiches?Naturally, melted cheese is delicious on top of meatball subs. I love to use shredded mozzarella (like this recipe) in addition to grated parmesan. Fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a lovely garnish and color. Other delicious toppings include pesto, crushed red pepper flakes, and giardiniera.

If you make the recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know what you think in the comments on my website! Take pictures, tag and share them with me on Instagram or Facebook.