5 Ingredient Meatball Subs

I'm starting something new on Fridays here on the blog.  I don't know exactly what I'm to call it.  Maybe Frugal Friday or 5 Ingredient Friday.  I think we will have to let it decide for itself, but basically I want to dedicate Fridays to inexpensive meals for you and your family that don't cost much, have super simple ingredients, and can me made in 30 minutes or less.  It's something that I think we all can use in this season of life.  Don't be expecting culinary break throughs.  Remember, the point of this is cheap, minimal, and fast.   That being said let's kick things of with one of my favorite super simple meals...

5 Ingredient Meatball Subs!

Frozen meatballs in the kitchen are your friend.  I can't tell you how many times I have pulled them out, for whatever reason, to make a quick and easy meal.  These 5 Ingredient Meatball Subs are the perfect example of that.  It uses 5 ingredients that most of us always have on hand, and who doesn't love meatball subs!  I can't wait to show you how I make it so...

Let's Get Started!

To show you the cost of this meal I will be sharing the prices I paid.  I got everything at Walmart, and used their Great Value Brand where I could.  

HERE IS THE 5 INGREDIENTS YOU WILL NEED:

1. 1 (32 oz.) of Frozen Meatballs $6.96
2. 1 (24 oz.) Jar of Traditional Pasta Sauce $1.62
3. 1 (6 count) pack of Deli Buns $2.54
4. 1 (12 count) Pack of Sliced Provolone Cheese $2.22
5. Salt and Pepper

The total cost of this meal was $13.34 for a cost of $2.23 per sub.  I mean you aren't going to take a family of six out to a sub shop for that!  

To make this a little more filling I like add a mixed green salad or you could even add chips.  

CAN THE SUBS BE MADE VEGAN/VEGETARIAN?

Absolutely!  All you have to do is swap out the regular frozen meatballs for your favorite plant-based ones (I use the Gardine brand) as well as swapping the provolone cheese out for your favorite plant-based option.  Keep in mind that plant-based cheesed don't melt quite like regular cheeses do, but there are definitely some great dairy-free alternatives out there.  

WHAT ARE THE BEST KIND OF FROZEN MEATBALLS TO USE FOR THIS?

The short answer is whatever kind you like.  Whatever brand your family enjoys the most.  As far as using beef, chicken, turkey, or plant-based again, it's whatever you like.  

I will say that when it comes to plant-based frozen meatballs Gardine is my tried and true brand.  They hold up great in long cooks as well as having wonderful taste and texture.  

CAN I USE FRESH, HOMEMADE MEATBALLS IN THIS RECIPE?

Yes.  You can.  Two thoughts though. 

1.  It will be more than 5 ingredients.

2.  It will affect the cook time on this recipe.  

If you are interested in making your own meatballs I will link my recipe for Homemade Meatballs in Marinara (HERE)

DIRECTIONS:

• Place a pot over medium/high heat, add a little oil, and allow the pan to get hot.  Add the frozen meatballs and brown.  
• Add the jar of sauce to the pot and let simmer for 20 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper.
• Turn the oven broiler on HIGH. 
• Add 4 meatballs to each roll.  Spoon over a little sauce and add 2 pieces of cheese over the top.  
• Place in a baking dish and sit under the broiler until the cheese melts and becomes a little brown and bubbly. 
• Serve and Enjoy!