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Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs

Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs
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Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs blend tender ground meat meatballs with a rich, tangy sloppy joe sauce, all nestled inside soft sub rolls. Quick and easy to prepare, this hearty and flavorful sandwich is perfect for family dinners, game day snacks, or meal prepping. Customizable and kid-friendly, these subs deliver comforting, satisfying bites with every mouthful.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Mixture

  • 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if required)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sloppy Joe Sauce

  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water (optional, to thin sauce)

To Assemble

  • 4 sub rolls or hoagie buns (gluten-free if desired)
  • Cheese (optional): sliced provolone, cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack
  • Oil for cooking meatballs

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: Combine ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs. Shape into evenly sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter, for uniform cooking.
  2. Cook the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with oil. Cook meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.
  3. Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant. Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and water if needed. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes until thickened and well blended.
  4. Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Return meatballs to the skillet and stir gently to coat them evenly with the sloppy joe sauce. Simmer together for a few minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to cling to the meatballs.
  5. Assemble the Subs: Slice sub rolls and optionally toast lightly. Spoon the saucy meatballs into each roll. Top with cheese if desired, then place under a broiler or in a hot oven just until cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

Notes

  • Using a mix of beef and pork can add juiciness and flavor complexity to the meatballs.
  • Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender.
  • Simmer the sauce on low heat to intensify flavor without burning.
  • Lightly toasting rolls prevents them from becoming soggy when filled with sauce.
  • You can make meatballs and sauce ahead of time and assemble just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Sloppy Joe, Meatball Subs, Comfort Food, Sandwich, Family Dinner, Easy Recipe

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/sloppy-joe-meatball-subs/