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Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs

Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs

Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs are a hearty and flavorful sandwich combining tender meatballs with tangy, saucy Sloppy Joe sauce inside soft sub rolls. This comforting and easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy days, family dinners, or game day, delivering a delicious balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in under 30 minutes.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for GF option)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Sloppy Joe Sauce

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Assembly

  • 4 sub rolls or hoagie buns (gluten-free if preferred)
  • 4 slices provolone or cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: Mix the ground beef or turkey with breadcrumbs, finely chopped onions, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Form the mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs. Pan-fry in a skillet or bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  2. Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce: In a skillet, sauté chopped onions and garlic over medium heat until translucent. Add tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until thickened and flavors meld.
  3. Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Add the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs evenly and allow them to simmer together for a few minutes so the meatballs absorb the savory and tangy flavors.
  4. Assemble the Subs: Warm the sub rolls, then spoon the saucy meatballs generously into each bun. Top with sliced cheese if desired, and place under a broiler for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese and crisp the edges of the bread.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for freshness and color. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy your delicious Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs.

Notes

  • Use a cookie scoop or hands to make uniform meatballs for even cooking.
  • Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender and juicy.
  • Slow simmer the sauce for richer flavor and to prevent watery subs.
  • Opt for sturdy sub rolls to hold the meatballs and sauce without getting soggy.
  • Make meatballs and sauce ahead of time, refrigerate separately, and reheat when ready to serve.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (with substitutions)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: Sloppy Joe, Meatball Subs, Sandwich, Quick Recipe, Comfort Food, Easy Weeknight Dinner, Game Day Food