Vegan Meatball Sub Sandwich - Name Marley

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You’ll love this vegan meatball sub sandwich recipe, with a simple marinara sauce topped with yummy, garlicky lentil meat. The sauce is served on toasted hoagie buns smeared with vegan mozzarella.

A vegan meatball sub sits on a plate next to potato chips. Behind it is a bowl of marinara and another sub on a plate.

I get a lot of questions about veganism. Of course the most popular question is, “Where do you get your protein?” It’s a really funny question when you think about it. Herbivores are the largest mammals on the planet and what do they eat? Plants!

One of my favorite sources of plant-based protein? Why, this vegan meatball sub sandwich is a must! Lentils are loaded with protein and so is every plant-based meatball on the market (see more in vegan meatball options below).

It helps that these sandwiches are loaded with comfort food flavor. Check out my tips below for freezing them for quick and easy weeknight meals!

the main ingredient

You can find the complete printable recipe with ingredient amounts below. But first, here are some ingredient explanations and steps to help you perfect this recipe every time.

Here are the ingredients you will need for this recipe:

Vegan Meatballs — I like to use a batch of vegan lentil meatballs. You can substitute store-bought vegan meatballs.
Marinara – You will need 3 cups of vegan marinara sauce.
Hoagie buns – Check the label to make sure they are vegan. If you prefer to toast the buns, drizzle some olive oil or vegan butter over the buns.
Shredded vegan mozzarella — Our favorite brands are Daiya or Follow Your Heart, but there are plenty to choose from these days.

How to Make Vegan Meatball Subs

Make vegan meatballs (or heat store-bought).
Place 4 meatballs on each bun.
Drizzle marinara sauce over meatballs.
Top each sandwich with an equal amount of vegan mozzarella.
Place sandwiches on parchment-lined baking sheet.
Toast the sandwiches until the cheese is melted and golden brown around the edges.
Serve with marinara sauce for dipping or drizzling on top.

Why this recipe is a winner

Freezer friendly. Make a double batch of sandwiches and freeze them for quick meals throughout the week!
Lentils are cheap. You can buy a bag of lentils for about a dollar. A bag of lentils can make a lot of meals.
something simple. Lentils are beans, but unlike other plants in this family, they don’t require pre-soaking. Most lentils cook nicely in 20 to 25 minutes.
Protein Punch. Lentils contain the third highest protein among plant-based foods. And unlike meat, lentils don’t contain any of the things you don’t want, like saturated animal fat and cholesterol. Yes, lentils provide you with good things for your body like fiber, folate, vitamin B1 and iron.
umami. Vegan Worcestershire sauce on meatballs adds complexity for your taste buds with a touch of the fifth taste, umami. Thanks to the vinegar used to make it. I am addicted to this stuff and use it all the time.

Looking at a lentil meatball sub sandwich sitting on a plate with potato chips.

Vegan Meatball Alternatives

I love making my own vegan meatballs because it’s so easy. So, whether you want to make your own or prefer store-bought, here are some great options:

Impossible Meatball Sub — You can make meatballs with Impossible Ground plant-based meat. Use a normal meatball recipe, but substitute a flax egg (or just egg) and then cook them like regular meatballs.
Garden Vegan Meatballs — We regularly buy packages of Garden Meatballs because they’re great in the fridge for sandwiches, pasta, and more.
Authentic Farmland Veggie Meatballs – These need to be cooked in a skillet before adding to your sandwich. Follow package instructions. They are very tasty with a spicy Italian flair.
Outside of Meatballs – Like these other products, they need to be cooked before eating. I haven’t seen them in stores yet, but I hear they’re amazing.
Good & Gather — This is the Target brand and their plant-based meatballs are delicious, affordable, and perfect for this vegan meatball sub recipe!
Lentil Meatballs – These plant-based lentil meatballs are great if you want to make your own!

Serving advice

Serve this main course sandwich with any of the following side dishes:

Storage Tips

Store the sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can be frozen in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.

Mix it up

I suggest marinara sauce for your meatballs, but you can use different sauces to take this dish in a different direction. When you want something a little different try these:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is marinara sauce vegan?

Not all marinara sauces are vegan. In fact, some contain meat and/or cheese, so always read the label before buying marinara sauce.

Is Subway Vegan Beyond Meat Sub?

Subway’s Beyond Meat Sub is vegetarian. To make it a vegetarian option, order it on the 9-grain or standard Italian bun and without the cheese.

A vegan meatball sub sits on a plate next to potato chips.

More vegan sandwiches

Everyone loves these vegan meatball sub sandwiches! If trying this leaves you itching to try other vegetarian sandwiches, here are some favorites:

Cook modePrevent your screen from going dark

For the meatballs:

Preheat oven to 350°F/175°C. Line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper.
Prepare the lentil mixture as directed. Then use a cookie scoop to make 1-inch meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. You can place them closely together, leaving enough room for air to circulate around them.
Spray the meatballs with a light coating of vegetable cooking spray.
Bake for 30 minutesUse tongs to turn the meatballs about halfway through cooking.
Whether using frozen or homemade meatballs, transfer them to a saucepan and cover with marinara sauce over medium heat. Stir gently until the meatballs are coated. Cook until sauce and meatballs are heated through 10 minutes.

For Meatball members:

Spread butter on both sides of the bun. Turn on the broiler in your oven and broil the buns until toasted, 2 to 3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the buns.
Place 4 meatballs on each toasted bun. Add some sauce to each bun. Top with an equal amount of vegan mozzarella. Place sandwiches on parchment-lined baking sheet.
Place the pan in the oven and toast the sandwiches for 2 to 3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown around the edges.
Serve sandwiches with marinara sauce for dipping or drizzling on top.
Store the sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can be frozen in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.

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The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist consultation.

This post was originally published in 2011 and was updated in 2022 to include new photos, new text, and an updated recipe.

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