Introduction to Sticky BBQ Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
Get ready to sink your teeth into a flavor explosion with these Sticky BBQ Cheeseburger Meatball Subs! These hearty, handheld sandwiches combine the irresistible combination of juicy meatballs, gooey melted cheese, and a sweet, tangy BBQ sauce, all nestled inside toasted hoagie rolls. They’re the perfect blend of comfort and crave-worthy goodness, making them a surefire hit for family dinners, game-day gatherings, or any occasion when you need a truly satisfying meal.
Table of Contents
What Makes These Meatball Subs Special?
The secret to these Sticky BBQ Cheeseburger Meatball Subs is in the meatballs themselves. By blending ground beef with breadcrumbs, milk, and egg, the meatballs become incredibly tender and flavorful. Then, we toss them in a thick, sticky BBQ sauce that caramelizes and clings to each bite. Topping it all off with melted cheddar cheese takes these subs to the next level of cheesy, saucy deliciousness.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a cozy family movie night, or craving a hearty, handheld meal, these Sticky BBQ Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are sure to satisfy. They’re easy to prepare, making them a great option for busy weeknights, and the flavor combination is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Get ready to dive in and experience the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and cheesy goodness in every bite!
Ingredients Overview
To create these Sticky BBQ Cheeseburger Meatball Subs, you’ll need a straightforward list of ingredients that come together to deliver maximum flavor and satisfaction.
Essential Ingredients
- Ground Beef: The foundation of the meatballs, providing a juicy, beefy base.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs and add a lovely texture.
- Milk: Keeps the meatballs moist and tender.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together.
- BBQ Sauce: A thick, sticky sauce that coats the meatballs in sweet and tangy flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melty, gooey cheese that perfectly complements the other components.
- Hoagie Rolls: Sturdy, toasted rolls that provide the perfect vessel for the meatball and cheese filling.
- Butter: Used to toast the hoagie rolls, adding a delightful crunch and richness.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
While the classic combination of ingredients in this recipe is hard to beat, you can certainly experiment with a few substitutions or additions to suit your taste preferences. Try using a different type of ground meat, such as turkey or chicken, for a lighter option. Swap out the cheddar cheese for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of your favorite hot sauce or use a spicy BBQ sauce. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing these Sticky BBQ Cheeseburger Meatball Subs to your liking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing these Sticky BBQ Cheeseburger Meatball Subs is a straightforward process that comes together quickly. Follow these easy steps to create a delicious and satisfying meal:
1. Mix It Up
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, breadcrumbs, milk, and egg. Use your hands or a fork to mix the ingredients until they are just combined, being careful not to overmix. Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs.
2. Bake Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
3. Sauce It
Once the meatballs are baked, transfer them to a bowl and toss them in the BBQ sauce until they are fully coated, ensuring each meatball is evenly covered in the sticky, flavorful sauce.
4. Toast Rolls
While the meatballs are baking, melt the butter in a skillet or on a baking sheet. Add the hoagie rolls and toast them until they are golden brown and crispy.
5. Assemble & Melt
Fill each toasted hoagie roll with the saucy meatballs, then top with the shredded cheddar cheese. Place the filled rolls under the broiler for 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve these Sticky BBQ Cheeseburger Meatball Subs warm, allowing your guests to savor the gooey, cheesy, and irresistibly saucy goodness in every bite. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions
Pairing with Sides
These Sticky BBQ Cheeseburger Meatball Subs pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them with crispy French fries, creamy coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal. For a heartier option, serve them alongside a creamy macaroni and cheese or a zesty pasta salad.
Garnishing Ideas
To add even more flavor and visual appeal to your Sticky BBQ Cheeseburger Meatball Subs, consider garnishing them with thinly sliced pickles, diced onions, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro. You can also drizzle on a bit of extra BBQ sauce or ranch dressing for an extra flavor boost.
Nutritional Information
Calories and Macros
Each Sticky BBQ Cheeseburger Meatball Sub contains approximately 550 calories, with 30 grams of fat, 45 grams of carbohydrates, and 30 grams of protein. These hearty sandwiches provide a satisfying and balanced meal, making them a great option for those looking to fuel their day.
Healthier Modifications
To make these Sticky BBQ Cheeseburger Meatball Subs a bit healthier, you can opt for lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, use whole-wheat or multigrain hoagie rolls, and reduce the amount of cheese or use a lower-fat variety. Additionally, you can serve the meatballs and cheese on top of a bed of leafy greens or roasted vegetables for a more nutrient-dense meal.
Variations on the Recipe
Different Sauces to Try
While the classic BBQ sauce is a delicious choice, you can experiment with different sauces to give these Sticky BBQ Cheeseburger Meatball Subs a unique twist. Consider using a spicy sriracha sauce, a tangy honey mustard, or even a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce to coat the meatballs. The possibilities are endless when it comes to exploring new flavor combinations.
Meat Alternatives and Vegetarian Options
For a vegetarian or meatless version of these Sticky BBQ Cheeseburger Meatball Subs, you can swap out the ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives, such as soy-based crumbles or lentil-based meatballs. These meatless options can provide a similar texture and flavor while catering to a wider range of dietary preferences.
FAQs about Sticky BBQ Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
How to prevent meatball subs from getting soggy?
To prevent your Sticky BBQ Cheeseburger Meatball Subs from getting soggy, there are a few key tips to follow. First, be sure to bake the meatballs until they are cooked through and not overly saturated with sauce. Additionally, toast the hoagie rolls until they are crisp and golden brown, which will help them hold up better to the saucy meatballs. Finally, consider serving the meatballs and cheese on the side, allowing your guests to assemble the subs just before eating to maintain the perfect texture.
What is a BBQ meatball sub at Subway?
The BBQ meatball sub at Subway is a sandwich featuring Italian-style meatballs coated in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, topped with melted cheese, and served on a toasted Subway roll. While it shares some similarities with the Sticky BBQ Cheeseburger Meatball Subs in this recipe, the Subway version likely uses a pre-made, commercial BBQ sauce and a different meatball recipe.
Do people put pickles on meatball subs?
Yes, many people enjoy adding pickles to their meatball subs. The salty, tangy crunch of pickles can provide a nice contrast to the rich, saucy meatballs and melted cheese. Some popular pickle options for meatball subs include dill pickles, bread and butter pickles, or even spicy pickled jalapeños for an extra kick of flavor.
What cheese goes on meatball subs on Reddit?
According to discussions on Reddit, some of the most popular cheese choices for meatball subs include:
- Provolone cheese: A classic choice that melts beautifully and complements the savory meatballs.
- Mozzarella cheese: Provides a gooey, stringy texture that many meatball sub enthusiasts love.
- Parmesan cheese: Can be sprinkled on top of the meatballs for an extra burst of flavor.
- Cheddar cheese: As used in this recipe, cheddar offers a delicious, melty topping for the meatball subs.
Ultimately, the choice of cheese is a matter of personal preference, and many Redditors recommend experimenting with different cheese varieties to find your perfect meatball sub combination.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese
- Loaded BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
- BBQ Rib Mac and Cheese Platter
- Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Mac
Conclusion
Prepare to be wowed by the incredible flavors and textures of these Sticky BBQ Cheeseburger Meatball Subs! With their juicy, saucy meatballs, melted cheese, and toasted hoagie rolls, these sandwiches are sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a comforting, satisfying meal, these Sticky BBQ Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are the perfect choice. Get ready to dive in and savor every delicious bite!
Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.
Print
Make Sticky BBQ Cheeseburger Meatball Subs for a Fantastic Feast!
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4
Description
Get ready to sink your teeth into a flavor explosion with these Sticky BBQ Cheeseburger Meatball Subs! These hearty, handheld sandwiches combine the irresistible combination of juicy meatballs, gooey melted cheese, and a sweet, tangy BBQ sauce, all nestled inside toasted hoagie rolls.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef
- Breadcrumbs
- Milk
- Egg
- BBQ Sauce
- Cheddar Cheese
- Hoagie Rolls
- Butter
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, breadcrumbs, milk, and egg. Use your hands or a fork to mix the ingredients until they are just combined, being careful not to overmix. Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs.
2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
3. Once the meatballs are baked, transfer them to a bowl and toss them in the BBQ sauce until they are fully coated, ensuring each meatball is evenly covered in the sticky, flavorful sauce.
4. While the meatballs are baking, melt the butter in a skillet or on a baking sheet. Add the hoagie rolls and toast them until they are golden brown and crispy.
5. Fill each toasted hoagie roll with the saucy meatballs, then top with the shredded cheddar cheese. Place the filled rolls under the broiler for 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
These Sticky BBQ Cheeseburger Meatball Subs pair beautifully with crispy French fries, creamy coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad. For garnish, consider adding thinly sliced pickles, diced onions, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 80