Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs

Ready for a mash-up that takes comfort food to the next level? Say hello to Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs! Imagine perfectly seasoned, juicy meatballs soaked in a tangy, sweet, and savory Sloppy Joe sauce, all nestled inside a soft, toasty sub roll. It’s everything you love about a classic Sloppy Joe, but with a fun twist that’s guaranteed to make your taste buds do a happy dance.

This is the kind of dish that feels like a cozy hug in sandwich form—messy, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want something indulgent for yourself, these meatball subs are a total winner. Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one.

Why You’ll Love Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs

Here’s why this recipe is a total game-changer:

• Comfort Food Vibes: It’s the ultimate combination of two beloved comfort foods—meatballs and Sloppy Joes. It’s like a party of flavors and textures in every bite.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and perfect for when you want something filling but without the fuss. The meatballs come together quickly, and the sauce is so simple to whip up.
• Customizable: You can tweak the spice level of the sauce to suit your taste. Want it extra spicy? Add more hot sauce or chili flakes. Prefer it on the sweeter side? Just throw in a little more brown sugar.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch of the meatballs and sauce ahead of time, and you’ll have an easy, delicious meal ready whenever you need it. These subs also reheat beautifully.
• Kid-Approved: If you’ve got little ones at the table, this dish is sure to be a hit. It’s messy in the best way, which means it’s fun to eat—and what kid (or adult!) doesn’t love a good sub sandwich?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs:

• Ground Beef or Turkey: You can use ground beef for that rich, classic meatball flavor, or ground turkey for a lighter option. Either works perfectly!
• Breadcrumbs & Egg: These are the binding ingredients that keep your meatballs tender and juicy. They also help them hold their shape while cooking.
• Onion & Garlic: The base for both the meatballs and the sauce. They add so much flavor to this dish!
• Sloppy Joe Sauce: You can use store-bought sauce, or you can make your own with ingredients like ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. It’s the sweet and tangy sauce that brings everything together.
• Cheese: Mozzarella or provolone works best for melting over the meatballs, but feel free to use cheddar if that’s more your style.
• Sub Rolls: Soft, fresh sub rolls or hoagie buns. These are perfect for holding all that sloppy, saucy goodness.
• Salt & Pepper: For seasoning the meatballs and sauce.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to make these irresistible Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs? Here’s how you do it:

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until just combined—don’t overwork the mixture, or the meatballs will be tough.

Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet or large tray lined with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning them until all sides are golden brown (about 6-8 minutes total). Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through at this point—they’ll finish cooking in the sauce. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 3: Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, and sauté the onion and garlic until softened (about 3 minutes). Then, stir in your Sloppy Joe sauce ingredients—ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then return the meatballs to the skillet, making sure they’re fully coated in the sauce.

Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally, and add a splash of water or broth if the sauce gets too thick.

Step 4: Assemble the Subs

While the meatballs are simmering, slice your sub rolls and toast them lightly in the oven or on a skillet for a couple of minutes. Once the meatballs are ready, pile them high onto your sub rolls, spooning some extra Sloppy Joe sauce over the top.

Add a slice of mozzarella or provolone cheese on top of each meatball (or a generous sprinkle if you’re using shredded cheese). Then, pop the subs under the broiler for a minute or two until the cheese is melty and golden.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Once the cheese is nice and melted, remove the subs from the oven and serve immediately. These are best enjoyed right away when the bread is warm, the sauce is saucy, and the cheese is gooey.

How to Serve Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs

Want to make your meal even more special? Here are a few tasty sides and additions that go perfectly with these subs:

• Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy, slightly sweet fries are the perfect contrast to the savory, spicy meatball subs. Or go for classic fries—either way, they’re a winner!
• Coleslaw: A tangy, creamy coleslaw adds a fresh crunch that balances out the rich, saucy meatballs.
• Pickles: A couple of dill pickle slices on the side or even inside the sandwich will cut through the richness of the meatballs and add a nice tangy crunch.
• Side Salad: A light, refreshing salad with a lemony vinaigrette would pair beautifully with the heaviness of the meatball subs. Think arugula, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a few olives!

Additional Tips

• Make-Ahead: You can make the meatballs and Sloppy Joe sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days, then reheat them when you’re ready to assemble the subs.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some chili flakes to the sauce, or swap regular mustard for Dijon or spicy brown mustard. A dash of hot sauce will kick things up even further!
• Meatball Variations: Feel free to get creative with your meatballs! Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or even a little Parmesan for extra flavor.
• Freezer-Friendly: The meatballs and sauce freeze beautifully! After cooking, allow them to cool, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, just reheat and assemble your subs.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use ground chicken or pork for the meatballs?
A1: Absolutely! Ground chicken or pork works great for these subs. Just be aware that ground chicken may be a bit drier than beef, so consider adding a little extra moisture to the mixture, like a splash of milk.

Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat the meatballs in the microwave or on the stove—just make sure they’re heated through before serving.

Q3: Can I make the Sloppy Joe sauce from scratch?
A3: Yes, you can! Homemade Sloppy Joe sauce is super easy to make with ingredients like ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices. Adjust the sweetness or tang to your taste!

Q4: Can I freeze the meatball subs?
A4: You can freeze the meatballs and sauce separately, but I recommend assembling the subs fresh and freezing the meatballs and sauce to assemble later. To reheat, simply heat the meatballs and sauce, toast the bread, then add the cheese and broil.

Q5: Can I use a slow cooker for the meatballs?
A5: Yes! After browning the meatballs, place them in a slow cooker with the sauce and let them cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.

Conclusion

Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs are the ultimate comfort food indulgence, combining the flavors of classic Sloppy Joes with tender, flavorful meatballs in a gooey, cheesy sub roll. They’re fun to make, totally satisfying, and a hit with everyone at the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something hearty and delicious, this recipe is a must-try. Grab your subs, pile on the meatballs, and enjoy every messy, mouthwatering bite!

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