Irresistible Sticky BBQ Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
Hey there, fellow food lover! Today, I want to share with you my recipe for the most mouthwatering and indulgent creation: Irresistible Sticky BBQ Cheeseburger Meatball Subs. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This
I make this when I want to treat myself to a little bit of cheesy, meaty heaven. My family goes crazy for this because it combines the irresistible flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the sticky sweetness of barbecue sauce. It’s a match made in culinary heaven!
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
– 500g ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup minced onion
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 large egg
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pickles for added tanginess
For the sticky BBQ sauce:
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Optional: a dash of hot sauce for some heat
For the subs:
– 4 sub rolls
– Sliced cheese of your choice (cheddar, American, or Swiss)
– Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, and extra pickles
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. If you’re feeling adventurous, add the chopped pickles to the meatball mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
4. Shape the mixture into meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
6. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sticky BBQ sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce (if using). Heat the sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and brush them generously with the sticky BBQ sauce. Return them to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and create a sticky glaze.
8. While the meatballs are finishing up, prepare your sub rolls. Slice them open lengthwise and place a slice of cheese on one side of each roll.
9. Place the meatballs on top of the cheese, allowing the heat to melt it slightly. Add any additional toppings you desire, such as lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles.
10. Serve your irresistible sticky BBQ cheeseburger meatball subs warm and enjoy the explosion of flavors with every bite!
Notes
I’ve experimented with different variations of this recipe and found that using a mix of ground beef and pork adds an extra depth of flavor. Feel free to try it out!
Don’t worry if the meatball mixture seems a bit sticky when shaping them. It’s completely normal, and they will firm up as they bake.
If you don’t have pickles on hand, you can substitute them with a tablespoon of pickle relish for a similar tangy taste.
Variations
One variation I’ve tried is adding a slice of crispy bacon on top of the cheese before placing the meatballs. It adds a smoky crunch that takes these subs to a whole new level!
For a spicy kick, you can mix in some minced jalapenos or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper into the meatball mixture.
Equipment
If you don’t have a baking sheet, you can use a regular oven-safe dish lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil as a substitute.
Storage
Though honestly, in my house, these subs never last more than a day! But if you do have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave before enjoying.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these sticky BBQ cheeseburger meatball subs with a side of crispy sweet potato fries or a simple green salad. The combination is absolutely delightful!
Pro Tips
One pro tip I’ve learned from experience is to resist the temptation to overmix the meatball mixture. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs, so gently combine the ingredients until just incorporated.
If you want to save some time on preparation, you can use store-bought frozen meatballs instead. Just bake them according to the package instructions and proceed with the sticky BBQ sauce step.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these meatball subs ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance, store them separately in the refrigerator, and assemble the subs when you’re ready to serve. Just make sure to reheat the meatballs and sauce before assembling.
Q: Can I freeze the meatballs?
A: Yes, you can freeze the meatballs either before or after baking them. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.
So there you have it, my friend! The recipe for these irresistible sticky BBQ cheeseburger meatball subs. I hope you enjoy making and devouring them as much as I do. Bon appétit!
Irresistible Sticky BBQ Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
Indulge in the mouthwatering combination of cheesy, meaty meatballs glazed with sticky BBQ sauce, served in sub rolls for a delightful meal experience.
Ingredients
- 500g ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Dash of hot sauce
- 4 sub rolls
- Sliced cheese (cheddar, American, or Swiss)
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, extra pickles
Directions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
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Add chopped pickles to the mixture for extra flavor.
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Shape into 1-inch meatballs and place on the baking sheet.
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Bake meatballs for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
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Prepare BBQ sauce by combining ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce in a saucepan. Heat until thickened.
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Brush cooked meatballs with BBQ sauce and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
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Slice open sub rolls, place cheese slices, add meatballs, melt cheese, top with desired toppings.
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Serve warm and enjoy!