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BBQ Meatball Subs With Melted Mozzarella – Saucy, Cheesy, and Comforting

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the Meatballs:
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80–85% lean), or half beef and half pork
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup finely minced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for extra smokiness)
  • For the Sauce and Assembly:
  • 1 to 1 1/4 cups your favorite BBQ sauce (more if you like it extra saucy)
  • 4 hoagie rolls or sub rolls
  • 8 oz (225 g) mozzarella, sliced or shredded
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for toasting rolls)
  • Pickled jalapeños or red onion slices (optional for garnish)
  • Fresh parsley or scallions, chopped (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat and Prep: Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment or foil for easy cleanup. Lightly oil the pan.
  2. Mix the Meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, milk, parsley, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix with a fork or your hands until just combined. Don’t overwork the mixture or the meatballs can turn dense.
  3. Shape: Roll into golf ball–sized meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches wide. You should get around 16 meatballs.
  4. Bake: Arrange the meatballs on the sheet pan. Bake for 14–16 minutes, until cooked through and just beginning to brown. Internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for beef/pork.
  5. Sauce the Meatballs: Transfer the hot meatballs to a skillet or pot over low heat. Pour in the BBQ sauce and toss to coat. Simmer for 3–5 minutes to let the flavors meld and thicken slightly.
  6. Toast the Rolls: Split the hoagie rolls without cutting all the way through. Brush the insides with olive oil or butter. Place on a sheet pan and toast in the oven for 3–5 minutes, until the edges are lightly crisp.
  7. Assemble: Spoon a layer of sauced meatballs into each roll. Top generously with mozzarella. If using, add a few pickled jalapeños or red onion slices for brightness.
  8. Melt the Cheese: Return the assembled subs to the oven for 3–5 minutes, just until the mozzarella melts and the edges of the rolls are golden. For extra browning, switch to broil for the final 1 minute. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  9. Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or scallions. Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side and a simple salad or chips.