BBQ Meatball Subs Recipe

Looking for a simple and flavorful dinner idea that everyone will love? These BBQ Meatball Subs are the perfect mix of juicy meatballs, smoky barbecue sauce, and gooey cheese. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a party snack, these subs will definitely be a hit. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Ingredients

To make the perfect BBQ meatball subs, you’ll need:

• For the Meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• For the BBQ Sauce:
  • 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce (preferably a smoky variety for extra flavor)
• For the Subs:
  • 4 sub rolls (preferably soft, but sturdy enough to hold the meatballs)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar for a twist)
  • Optional: Pickles or onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and oregano. Use your hands to combine the ingredients well, but don’t overmix, or your meatballs could become tough.

Form the mixture into 12-16 equal-sized meatballs, depending on your preferred size. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.

2. Bake the Meatballs

Place the meatballs in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned on the outside. You can check doneness by cutting one open—there should be no pink inside.

3. Simmer with BBQ Sauce

Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a skillet or large saucepan. Pour your BBQ sauce over the meatballs and simmer for about 5-10 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and coat the meatballs, making them juicy and flavorful.

4. Assemble the Subs

While the meatballs are simmering, slice your sub rolls in half (lengthwise), but don’t cut all the way through—keep them hinged on one side. Toast the rolls lightly in the oven or on a skillet if you like a little extra crunch.

Once the rolls are ready, spoon a few meatballs into each sub roll, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Pro tip: To melt the cheese perfectly, you can place the assembled subs in the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

Once the cheese is melted, remove the subs from the oven. If desired, garnish with pickles, onions, or extra BBQ sauce for added flavor.

Serve your BBQ meatball subs immediately with a side of crispy fries, chips, or a fresh salad.

Pro Tips for Perfect BBQ Meatball Subs

• Use lean meat like ground turkey for a healthier version of this recipe. You can also try a mix of beef for more flavorful meatballs.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and freeze them for later use. Just bake and freeze the meatballs before simmering them in BBQ sauce. When you’re ready, simply defrost and simmer in BBQ sauce.
• Customize the flavor: If you prefer a spicier kick, add a little cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture or use a spicy BBQ sauce.
• Roll options: If sub rolls are not available, French baguettes or even hoagie rolls can make a good substitute.

Enjoy your delicious BBQ Meatball Subs that are perfect for any occasion—tasty, easy, and always satisfying!