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Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs

Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs

Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs combine juicy homemade meatballs with a rich, tangy sloppy joe sauce, all melted under gooey cheese on a soft toasted sub roll. This comforting, easy-to-make sandwich offers a messy, flavorful fusion perfect for family meals or casual gatherings, customizable to your taste preferences and dietary needs.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Sloppy Joe Sauce

  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste or tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Assembly & Toppings

  • 4 sub sandwich rolls (soft, fresh)
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
  • Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley, thinly sliced pickles, ranch dressing drizzle

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef or turkey with breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Shape mixture into evenly sized meatballs about the size of a golf ball. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes or pan-fry until golden brown and cooked through.
  2. Make Sloppy Joe Sauce: In a skillet, sauté diced onions and garlic over medium heat until translucent. Stir in ketchup, tomato paste or sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce on low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and well combined.
  3. Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Gently toss the cooked meatballs into the sloppy joe sauce to coat evenly. Let them simmer together for a few minutes so the flavors meld perfectly.
  4. Assemble the Subs: Slice sub rolls open without cutting all the way through. Layer the sloppy joe-coated meatballs evenly inside each roll. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the meatballs. Place the assembled subs under a broiler or bake until the cheese melts and bubbles, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven carefully, let the subs cool slightly to avoid burning, and serve warm. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley, pickles, or a drizzle of ranch dressing for extra flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Keep meatballs uniform in size for even cooking and consistent texture.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying; give each meatball space to brown properly.
  • Simmer the sloppy joe sauce longer if it feels too thin for better coating.
  • Use the broiler for 2-3 minutes to melt cheese without drying out the sandwich.
  • Lightly toast sub rolls before assembling to prevent sogginess from the sauce.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sub
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: Sloppy Joe, meatball subs, comfort food, sandwich, easy dinner, family meal, cheesy sandwich, sloppy joe sauce, baked meatballs