VEGAN MEATBALL SUB (WITH FROZEN MEATBALLS)
Saucy, satisfying, and packed with cozy flavor, this easy vegan meatball sub brings together tender plant-based meatballs, melty cheese, and garlicky toasted buns. It’s the perfect no-fuss comfort food that rivals any classic sub, made easy with frozen meatballs and your favorite jarred sauce.
CONVENIENT SHORTCUTS
We simplified this Vegan Meatball Sub with frozen vegan meatballs and your favorite jarred pasta sauce to make this recipe a breeze. There’s no prep work, no chopping, mixing, or measuring – just warm and go.
TOASTED GARLIC BUN
The real magic happens with the garlicky, golden-toasted buns. Buttery, crisp edges and a hint of salt and garlic take this sandwich to the next level of cozy comfort. Each bite brings the perfect mix of crispy toasted bread, zesty sauce, and firm yet tender meatballs, delivering a crave-worthy explosion of flavor.
SIMPLE STEPS TO MAKE THIS VEGAN MEATBALL SUB (WITH FROZEN MEATBALLS)
Prepare Favorite Vegan Meatballs According To Package
Heat Your Favorite Jarred Pasta Sauce
Toast The Bun With Vegan Butter Garlic & Salt
Assemble Together & Top With Vegan Cheese
1. Prepare the Vegan Meatballs
Cook meatballs according to package instructions.
Our preferred method is to cook in the oven or air fryer to achieve a firmer texture.
2. Prepare the Sauce
Heat sauce in a saucepan on the stove (or in microwave).
When meatballs are done, add to sauce and simmer for a few minutes to incorporate flavors.
3. Prepare the Bun
Spread vegan butter on each side of the bun.
Sprinkle garlic powder and salt on each.
Toast bun in air fryer for 4 minutes or in oven/broiler until golden brown.
4. Assemble the Sandwich
Spread sauce onto bun and add meatballs.
Sprinkle sub with vegan cheese.
Serve as is or slightly heat sandwich to melt cheese, if desired (by microwave, oven, or air fryer).
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Vegan Meatball Sub (with Frozen Meatballs)
Ingredients
- 1 Pkg Vegan Meatballs
- 1 Jar Pasta Sauce
- 1 Pkg Brat & Sausage Buns or similar
- Vegan Butter
- Sprinkle Garlic Powder
- Sprinkle Salt
- Vegan Cheese mozzarella, parmesan, or simple nutritional yeast
Instructions
- Prepare Vegan Meatballs: cook according to package instructions. We recommend baking or air frying to get a firmer texture to start.1 Pkg Vegan Meatballs
- Prepare the Sauce: heat sauce in a saucepan on the stove (or in microwave).1 Jar Pasta Sauce
- When meatballs are done, add to sauce and simmer for a few minutes to incorporate flavors.
Prepare the Bun
- Spread vegan butter on each side of the bun.1 Pkg Brat & Sausage Buns, Vegan Butter
- Sprinkle garlic powder and salt on each.Sprinkle Garlic Powder, Sprinkle Salt
- Toast bun in air fryer for 4 minutes or in oven/broiler until golden brown.
Assemble the Sandwich
- Spread sauce onto bun and add meatballs.
- Sprinkle sub with vegan cheese.Vegan Cheese
- Serve as is or slightly heat sandwich to melt cheese, if desired (by microwave, oven, or air fryer).
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FAQ'S FOR THIS VEGAN MEATBALL SUB RECIPE
1. Can I use any brand of frozen vegan meatballs?
Yes! This recipe is flexible—use your favorite store-bought vegan meatballs. Whether they’re soy-based, lentil-based, or made with pea protein, they’ll work perfectly.
2. What’s the best way to toast the buns?
Air frying or broiling gives the buns a golden, garlicky crispness. Just 3–4 minutes is all it takes—keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just choose gluten-free vegan meatballs and serve them on your favorite gluten-free buns or bread.
4. What vegan cheese works best for this sub?
Mozzarella-style vegan shreds melt nicely, but a sprinkle of vegan parmesan or even nutritional yeast adds great flavor too. Use what you love or have on hand.
