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To make Tangy BBQ Meatball Subs, you need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 lb ground beef - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1 cup tangy BBQ sauce (choose your preferred brand) - 4 soft sub rolls - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Optional: Pickled jalapeños, for a spicy kick These ingredients combine to create a delicious and satisfying meal. The ground beef serves as the base, while the breadcrumbs and cheese add texture. Fresh parsley brings a burst of flavor. The egg helps hold the meatballs together. Spices like garlic and onion powder enhance the taste. I love the tangy BBQ sauce because it ties everything together. The sub rolls are perfect for holding the meatballs, and the mozzarella cheese melts beautifully on top. If you like spice, pickled jalapeños are a great addition. With these ingredients, you're ready to create a tasty dish that everyone will enjoy! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This keeps the meatballs from sticking. - In a large bowl, mix 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. - Use your hands to mix until everything is well combined. - Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The meatballs should be fully cooked, with a golden-brown outside. - While the meatballs bake, pour 1 cup of BBQ sauce into a saucepan. Heat it on medium until warm, stirring often. - Once the meatballs are done, take them out. Carefully move them to the saucepan with the BBQ sauce. Gently stir to coat each meatball evenly. Adjusting BBQ Sauce You can change the taste of your BBQ sauce. Add more spices to make it spicier. A splash of vinegar can give it more tang. If you want it sweeter, mix in some honey or brown sugar. Taste as you go to find your perfect blend. Recommended Meatball Seasoning For great meatballs, use garlic powder and onion powder. These spices add depth. Fresh herbs like parsley brighten up the flavor. Don't forget to add salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. You can also try adding Italian seasoning for a twist. Best Practices for Toasting To toast sub rolls, cut them open but don’t slice all the way through. Place them cut side up on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven at 400°F for about 5 minutes. Check to avoid burning. This gives you a warm, crispy roll. Alternative Options for Crispy Rolls If you want a different crunch, try using ciabatta or hoagie rolls. These breads hold up well and add extra flavor. You can also grill the rolls for a charred taste. Just make sure they get nice and crispy for the best bite. Presentation Tips Serve your meatball subs on a large platter. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top for a fancy look. Arrange pickled jalapeños on the side for those who like heat. Complementary Side Dishes Pair your subs with a fresh salad or crispy fries. Coleslaw adds a nice crunch and balances the flavors. You can also serve baked beans for some extra heartiness. These sides make your meal more complete and enjoyable. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh herbs and quality ground beef. Fresh parsley will elevate the taste of your meatballs significantly. Customize Your BBQ Sauce: Experiment with different BBQ sauces or even make your own for a unique twist. Adding a bit of honey or mustard can enhance the flavor profile. Meatball Size Matters: Ensure your meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking. About 1 inch in diameter is ideal for a perfect sub. Perfectly Melted Cheese: For the best cheese melt, consider covering the subs with aluminum foil for the first few minutes in the oven before uncovering them to brown the cheese. {{image_4}} You can switch the ground beef for turkey or chicken. Both options are leaner. They will still taste great with BBQ sauce. For cheese, try cheddar or pepper jack for a fun twist. These cheeses bring a unique flavor and texture. Want more flavor? Add spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the meatball mix. This gives them a nice kick! You can also use different BBQ sauces. Choose sweet, spicy, or tangy, depending on your taste. Each sauce changes the flavor of the subs. If you're gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work just as well. For vegetarians, substitute meat with lentils or black beans. You can also use store-bought veggie meatballs. These swaps keep the taste delicious for everyone! - Refrigeration Guidelines: Store leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to three days. - Recommended Storage Containers: Glass containers work best. They seal tightly and keep food safe. Plastic containers are fine too, but check for leaks. - Best Methods for Reheating: Use the oven for best results. Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the subs on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes. - Keeping Meatballs Moist: Add a little BBQ sauce to the meatballs. This keeps them from drying out during reheating. Cover the subs with foil for even heat. - Freezing for Later Use: You can freeze meatballs and sauce separately. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. They last up to three months. - Thawing Instructions: Thaw in the fridge overnight. For a quick option, use the microwave. Heat in short bursts to avoid cooking them. You can use oats or crushed crackers instead of breadcrumbs. Both options work well. Oats add fiber, while crackers give a nice crunch. Just replace the breadcrumbs with the same amount of your chosen substitute. This keeps your meatballs together without losing flavor. Yes! You can try marinara, teriyaki, or a spicy hot sauce. Each sauce brings a new taste. For a sweet twist, use honey mustard. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite. You can serve meatball subs with a side salad or coleslaw. Both add freshness. Sweet potato fries or regular fries also make a great match. For a fun twist, try pickles or chips on the side. To keep meatballs juicy, do not overmix the meat. Use fresh ingredients, and don’t skip the egg. The egg helps bind and add moisture. Also, consider adding a bit of milk or broth to the meat mixture. Yes, you can make the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to serve, heat them and fill the subs. This saves time for busy days or gatherings. Making these BBQ meatball subs is simple and fun. We covered the right ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations to try. You can customize your subs to fit any taste. Whether you prefer different meats or sauces, there are endless options. Remember, proper storage helps you enjoy leftovers later. These tasty subs can please any group. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make them your own. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Tangy BBQ Meatball Subs

Delicious meatball subs coated in tangy BBQ sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup tangy BBQ sauce
  • 4 soft sub rolls
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • optional Pickled jalapeños

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
  • Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch meatballs. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet with space between them.
  • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden-brown.
  • While the meatballs are baking, heat the BBQ sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
  • Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the saucepan with the BBQ sauce and stir gently to coat.
  • Cut each sub roll open along the top, ensuring not to slice all the way through. Optionally, toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes.
  • Fill each toasted sub roll with BBQ-coated meatballs, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, and add pickled jalapeños if desired.
  • Return the filled subs to the oven for about 5 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Remove the subs from the oven and serve immediately, with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
Keyword BBQ, meatballs, sandwiches, subs