Step 1

MAKE MEATBALLS: For store bought meatballs, bake according to package instructions. For your own meatballs, make these old fashioned Italian meatballs. You will need to heat the oven to 500F/260C to bake them. I prefer baking them, but you can also pan fry them in a frying pan over medium-high heat.

Step 2

MAKE MARINARA SAUCE: For a shortcut, 2 cups/473 ml use a good bottled or canned sauce, Note Otherwise.... In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil on medium heat, add garlic and stir for a minute (make sure it doesn't burn as it will become bitter). Add the diced tomatoes, red pepper flakes and salt and pepper to taste. Stir. Cook uncovered for about 20 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasonings (and add basil or Italian seasoning if you like).

Step 3

SIMMER MEATBALLS IN SAUCE: Add meatballs to sauce and cook on medium for 10-20 minutes to allow meatballs to soften and absorb the sauce

Step 4

ASSEMBLE MEATBALL MARINARA SANDWICH: ° Slice hoagie rolls or sub rolls in half, butter insides or brush with olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with garlic powder if you like. Place on baking sheet. ° Toast rolls in toaster oven or place them butter side up baking tray and broil 2-3 minutes 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) from top of oven (set your oven rack higher). Set aside top half of roll.° Add 3-4 meatballs with sauce on bottom half of each sub roll. ° Sprinkle on grated cheese on top of the meatballs (about 2 tablespoons per sandwich). Broil for 3 minutes until melted. ° Serve: Spoon on a bit of extra sauce. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese if desired. Place top half of sub roll on cheesy meatballs and serve.