Introduction
Looking for a crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s both satisfying and simple to make? These BBQ Meatball Subs are exactly what you need. I’ve perfected this recipe to deliver tender, flavorful meatballs smothered in tangy barbecue sauce, all nestled in toasted sub rolls with melted cheese. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with eager anticipation, and trust me – they won’t be disappointed.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly:
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
- 6 sub rolls
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: sliced red onions and fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine milk and breadcrumbs. Let sit for 5 minutes to create a panade.
- Add ground beef, egg, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix gently until just combined – don’t overmix!
- Form mixture into 18-24 meatballs (about 1.5 inches each).
- Place meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, warm BBQ sauce in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Transfer cooked meatballs to the skillet and coat with sauce.
- Toast sub rolls under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.
- Place 3-4 meatballs in each roll, top with cheese, and broil until cheese melts.
- Garnish with optional toppings and serve hot.
Cook Time and Serving Size
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 subs
Recipe Notes
- For extra-tender meatballs, avoid overworking the meat mixture. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- You can make the meatballs ahead and freeze them for up to 3 months.
- For a spicier version, mix some hot sauce into your BBQ sauce.
- If your BBQ sauce is particularly thick, thin it slightly with water or chicken broth to achieve better coating.
- To prevent soggy rolls, toast them well and serve immediately after assembly.
- These subs pair perfectly with coleslaw or crispy fries on the side.
BBQ Meatball Subs
Tender, flavorful meatballs smothered in tangy barbecue sauce, all nestled in toasted sub rolls with melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
- 6 sub rolls
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: sliced red onions and fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine milk and breadcrumbs. Let sit for 5 minutes to create a panade.
- Add ground beef, egg, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix gently until just combined – don't overmix!
- Form mixture into 18-24 meatballs (about 1.5 inches each).
- Place meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, warm BBQ sauce in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Transfer cooked meatballs to the skillet and coat with sauce.
- Toast sub rolls under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.
- Place 3-4 meatballs in each roll, top with cheese, and broil until cheese melts.
- Garnish with optional toppings and serve hot.