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Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs

Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs

Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs combine the rich, tangy flavors of classic sloppy joe sauce with juicy baked meatballs, all nestled in soft sub rolls. This comforting sandwich is easy to prepare, customizable with cheese and veggies, and perfect for satisfying hearty cravings during busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning or mixed herbs
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sloppy Joe Sauce

  • 1 cup tomato sauce or ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

Assembly

  • 4 soft sub rolls or hoagie buns
  • Cheese (optional): 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar
  • Vegetables (optional): sliced bell peppers, jalapeños, pickles, shredded lettuce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef or turkey, diced onions, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and form into evenly sized meatballs. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or pan-fry in a skillet until golden brown and cooked through.
  2. Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce: In a skillet, sauté chopped onions until translucent. Add tomato sauce or ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and Italian seasoning. Stir and simmer gently over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Add the cooked meatballs into the skillet with the sloppy joe sauce. Stir gently to coat all meatballs evenly and let simmer for another 3-5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  4. Assemble the Subs: Slice sub rolls lengthwise and optionally lightly toast them. Spoon generous portions of sloppy joe meatballs into each roll. Add cheese slices or shredded cheese on top if desired, then melt under a broiler or in the oven until bubbly.
  5. Final Touches: Top the assembled subs with optional fresh or pickled vegetables such as bell peppers, jalapeños, or lettuce. Close the rolls and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.

Notes

  • Use lean ground meat to keep meatballs juicy and reduce excess grease.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking meatballs to ensure even browning.
  • Simmer the sauce slowly for maximum flavor concentration.
  • Toast rolls to add crunch and prevent sogginess.
  • Customize with fresh herbs, pickles, or spicy peppers for extra flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Sloppy Joe meatball subs, sloppy joe, meatball sandwich, comfort food, easy meatball subs, sloppy joe recipe