Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes the rich, comforting flavors of French onion soup and turns them into a delicious, handheld sub. The tender meatballs are infused with herbs and Parmesan, simmered in beef broth with caramelized onions for depth of flavor. Topped with melted Swiss cheese and served in a soft sub roll, these sandwiches are loaded with taste and texture. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, they bring a restaurant-quality sandwich to your home kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef
¼ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 hoagie rolls or sub buns
1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese
1 cup beef broth

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into 16 meatballs.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides, then remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté sliced onions over low heat until caramelized, about 20 minutes.
Return meatballs to the skillet, add beef broth, and simmer for 10 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and broth is slightly reduced.
Slice sub rolls lengthwise, leaving a hinge. Place 4 meatballs per roll, spoon caramelized onions and some broth over them.
Top each sub with shredded Swiss cheese.
Place subs on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes

Variations

Use low-sodium beef broth to control saltiness.
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meatball mixture for extra depth.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meatball.
Serve with a side of au jus or extra beef broth for dipping.
Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for more vegetable flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover meatballs and caramelized onions separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. Assemble subs fresh before serving to keep rolls from becoming soggy.

FAQs

Can I make meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and cook meatballs ahead and refrigerate or freeze. Reheat before assembling subs.

Can I use pre-cooked meatballs?

Yes, just warm them with the caramelized onions and broth before assembling.

How do I keep the rolls from getting soggy?

Toast the rolls lightly before assembling or serve immediately after baking.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Gruyere or provolone are great alternatives to Swiss cheese.

How spicy is this sandwich?

Mild, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meatball mix or toppings for heat.

Is this recipe halal?

Yes, provided you use halal-certified ground beef.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns to adapt the recipe.

What sides pair well?

French fries, potato chips, or a simple green salad complement these subs nicely.

Can I freeze the assembled subs?

It’s best to freeze meatballs separately and assemble subs fresh.

How long do the meatballs take to cook?

About 10 minutes simmering after browning.

Conclusion

Cheesy French Onion Meatball Subs are a comforting, flavorful twist on a classic sandwich that brings together the rich flavors of caramelized onions, tender meatballs, and melted Swiss cheese. Perfect for a satisfying meal, these subs are easy to prepare and sure to be a family favorite.