BBQ Meatball Subs are the perfect comfort food, bringing together the smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce with tender, flavorful meatballs nestled in soft, toasted sub rolls. Whether you're hosting a casual get-together or simply craving something hearty, this recipe hits the spot every time. Plus, they're surprisingly easy to whip up!
Ground beef forms the base of our meatballs, offering a rich, hearty flavor. Adding breadcrumbs helps bind the meat together while keeping the texture light and tender. A bit of Parmesan cheese not only adds a nutty flavor but also enhances the overall savory profile of the meatballs. The egg acts as a binder, ensuring everything sticks together perfectly. Garlic powder and onion powder bring depth to the mix without overpowering the other flavors. Finally, BBQ sauce coats the meatballs with a sticky, sweet glaze, making each bite irresistibly delicious.
These BBQ Meatball Subs pair wonderfully with a crisp, tangy coleslaw or a fresh garden salad to balance out the rich flavors. For a heartier meal, serve with some homemade potato wedges or a simple corn on the cob. A cold glass of iced tea or lemonade complements the BBQ flavors perfectly.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it's ready to go when you need it. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix everything until well combined. This step is crucial for even flavor distribution.
Next, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. You should get about 20 small meatballs from this mix. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer. Cook them until they're browned on all sides, which should take about 5 minutes. Don't worry about cooking them through just yet; they'll finish in the oven.
Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking dish, pour over the BBQ sauce, and bake for 20 minutes. While they're baking, slice your sub rolls and toast them lightly. This prevents them from getting soggy and adds a nice crunch.
Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and nestle them into the toasted sub rolls. Top each sub with a slice of provolone cheese, then return them to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
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