Description
Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs combine juicy, tender meatballs with a rich, tangy sloppy joe sauce, all nestled inside soft sub rolls. This comforting and flavorful meal is quick to prepare, customizable to dietary preferences, and perfect for family dinners, game day, or meal prepping. These subs deliver bold flavors and satisfying bites that reheat well for leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 beaten egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sloppy Joe Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Assembly
- 4 soft sub rolls (gluten-free if needed)
- Cheese (optional): cheddar, provolone, mozzarella, or preferred type
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and a beaten egg. Mix gently but thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly without overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form and Cook the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil and cook the meatballs until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce: In the same skillet, add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in tomato sauce or ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Add the cooked meatballs back into the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss to coat every meatball in the rich sloppy joe sauce. Allow them to simmer together for an extra 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
- Assemble the Subs: Slice your sub rolls and, if desired, add a layer of cheese. Spoon the sloppy joe meatballs evenly into the rolls. You can toast the assembled subs in the oven for a few minutes if you like the cheese melted and the bread warmed through.
Notes
- Mini meatballs work best for easy eating without mess.
- Use fresh garlic and onions for enhanced flavor.
- Don’t skip simmering meatballs in the sauce to keep them juicy and flavorful.
- Choose soft yet sturdy sub rolls to prevent sogginess.
- Lightly toast buns to add texture and hold up to the saucy filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sub
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: sloppy joe, meatball subs, easy sandwiches, comfort food, quick dinner, family meal, game day food, gluten-free options
