When making submarine sandwiches, or “subs”, one of the most popular additions is meatballs. The juicy, savory meatballs complement the bread, cheese, vegetables and condiments perfectly. For an easy meal, frozen pre-made meatballs can be a convenient option to keep stocked in the freezer. But with so many brands and varieties available, how do you know which frozen meatballs are best for subs?
What to Look for in Frozen Meatballs for Subs
Here are some key factors to consider when selecting frozen meatballs to use in submarine sandwiches:
- Size – Look for meatballs that are 1-2 inches in diameter so they are proportional on a sub roll.
- Shape – Uniform, round meatballs will look most appealing in a sub.
- Meat – Meatballs made with beef, pork or a blend will be heartier than poultry.
- Binding – The best frozen meatballs hold their shape when cooked without too many fillers.
- Flavor – Well-seasoned meatballs with spices, herbs and cheese deliver big taste.
- Precooked – Fully cooked frozen meatballs just need to be heated through.
Top Frozen Meatball Brands for Subs
Taking into account size, shape, ingredients, cooking method and reviews, here are some top-rated frozen meatball brands to consider for subs:
| Brand | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Atkins | 1-inch meatballs, low carb, gluten free |
| Beyond Meat | Plant-based, vegan, dairy free, soy free |
| Buca di Beppo | 1.5-inch meatballs, beef, pork, garlic |
| Farm Rich | 1.25-inch meatballs, precooked, mozzarella & Swiss cheese |
| Gardein | Plant-based, vegan, non-GMO |
| Rosina | 1.5-inch Italian style meatballs, beef, pork, veal |
| Stefano’s | 1-inch meatballs, beef, Italian seasonings |
| Trader Joe’s | 1.5-inch meatballs, beef, garlic, onion |
Taste Test of Top Frozen Meatball Brands
To determine which frozen meatballs make the best subs, I cooked and tasted a variety from leading national brands:
Atkins
The Atkins meatballs are gluten and carb free, making them a good option for low carb and keto diets. They are on the smaller side at 1 inch diameter. The meatballs are a blend of beef, pork and water. They have a nice texture and hold their shape well after cooking in the oven. Flavor is fairly mild, so they benefit from sauce or other toppings in a sub. Overall a solid lower-carb meatball.
Beyond Meat
As a plant-based option, the Beyond Meatballs stands out. They are vegan and made from pea protein and other veggie ingredients. The look and taste is remarkably similar to real beef. The meatballs maintain their round shape after cooking. The texture is a bit softer than some of the others but still nice. The flavor is mildly seasoned. For a vegan sub this brand is a winner.
Buca di Beppo
These meatballs live up to their Italian heritage. They are a very large 1.5 inch size, so work best when sliced in half for subs. The meatballs have a tasty blend of beef, pork and garlic. Their oval shape gives them a homemade look. The texture is tender and holds up well in sauce or on a sub. Flavor is bold without being overpowering. Overall a high quality meatball.
Farm Rich
Farm Rich offers a unique loaded cheese meatball option. The meatballs contain a blend of beef, mozzarella and Swiss cheeses. At 1.25 inch diameter they are nicely sized for subs. The texture is smooth and binds well. Cheese oozes out when they are cooked, making them extra tasty. The flavor is well balanced between meat and cheese. If you want cheesy meatballs, this brand delivers.
Gardein
From another veggie protein brand, Gardein meatballs are a strong contender. They are made from soy and wheat proteins mixed with veggies. The look and texture is much like beef. At 1.5 inches, they are big but can be sliced. The meatballs hold up well to cooking and saucing. I found the flavor to be pleasantly mild with a hint of Italian spice. Overall an excellent vegan option for subs.
Rosina
For authentic Italian flavor, Rosina is a clear winner. These sizable 1.5 inch meatballs are made from a premium blend of beef, pork and veal. You can taste the quality in the rich, meaty flavor. The texture is dense and substantial. The meatballs are precooked so just need a quick oven heat. They maintain a nice round shape throughout cooking. The flavor pairs perfectly with marinara sauce. An exceptional meatball for Italian subs.
Stefano’s
If you want a classic, no-fuss meatball, Stefano’s are a good choice. They are precooked 1-inch beef meatballs with just salt, garlic and parsley added. The smaller size works well for subs. The texture is smooth and firm. The shape stays uniform when cooked. The flavor is simple but satisfying – pure meaty goodness. A solid, affordable option for subs.
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s meatballs have a homemade, gourmet taste. At 1.5 inches, they err on the large size so work better halved. They have a hearty beef flavor accented by garlic and onions. The texture is dense with some chew. The irregular hand-rolled shape gives them appeal. They hold up well to cooking without drying out. Overall a very tasty meatball that elevates any sub.
Key Factors for Frozen Meatballs
After conducting my taste test, a few factors stood out that make for great frozen meatballs for subs:
Size
Look for meatballs in the 1 to 1.5 inch range so they are proportional on a sub roll without being too large or overpowering. Meatballs that need to be cut in half to fit work fine, just allow extra prep time.
Texture
The best frozen meatballs have a firm but tender texture that holds up to cooking and saucing without getting mushy. They should maintain their round shape without too many fillers.
Flavor
Well seasoned meatballs have delicious flavor on their own and also complement sandwich toppings. Spices, herbs, garlic and cheese all add nice taste profiles. Clean beefy flavor is also desirable.
Precooked
Opt for fully cooked frozen meatballs that just need reheating. This saves time and prevents drying out from overcooking.
Recommendations
Based on taste, texture, size and overall sub performance, here are my top picks:
Best Beef – Stefano’s or Buca di Beppo
For classic Italian-style beef meatballs, Stefano’s and Buca di Beppo are the tastiest options. They have authentic Old World flavor in just the right 1-inch size.
Best Plant-Based – Gardein
The Gardein meatballs offer the best flavor, texture and visual appeal for a vegan sub. Their excellent taste rivals real meat.
Best Cheese-Lover’s – Farm Rich
For extra cheesy meatballs, Farm Rich can’t be beat. Melting mozzarella and Swiss cheeses make these subs extra decadent.
Best Gourmet – Trader Joe’s
With their irregular shape and robust seasoning, Trader Joe’s meatballs bring a chef-made quality to subs.
Best Low Carb – Atkins
Atkins meatballs have impressive texture and taste for being gluten-free and low carb. A smart choice for keto and other diets.
Tips for Using Frozen Meatballs on Subs
Here are some useful tips for working with frozen meatballs on subs:
- Thaw first for more even cooking, or bake frozen meatballs at a lower temp.
- Bake fully cooked meatballs at 350°F for 10-15 minutes just until heated through.
- Pan fry instead of baking for crispy edges.
- Toast sub rolls before building subs for a crispy bite.
- Top meatballs with melted cheese like provolone or mozzarella.
- Sauce it up with marinara, pesto or other favorite spreads.
- Add crispy vegetables like peppers, onions or mushrooms.
- Layer on lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and other toppings.
Conclusion
When choosing frozen meatballs for subs, look for options that are sized right, hold their shape, and pack bold, savory flavor. Brands like Stefano’s, Gardein, Farm Rich, and Trader Joe’s consistently offer quality pre-made meatballs that make sub building easy. With so many excellent prepared meatballs on the market today, there’s no need to labor over homemade when you can keep your freezer stocked with tasty varieties made for submarine sandwiches. Just thaw, heat, assemble on a toasted roll, and add your favorite toppings for fast, delicious subs anytime.