There’s something undeniably magical about biting into a sheet pan BBQ meatball sub. Picture this: tender, juicy meatballs smothered in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, nestled snugly in a toasted sub roll. The gooey melted cheese pulls apart in long, cheesy strands as you take a bite, while the warm aroma wafts through the air, making your stomach grumble in anticipation. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that makes you feel like a kid again.
Now, imagine hosting a casual gathering with friends or family. You pull out a pan of these glorious subs, and suddenly, everyone is your biggest fan. Laughter fills the room as they scramble to grab their favorite meaty delight. It’s the perfect comfort food for game nights, potlucks, or even just a cozy Friday night at home when you’re too tired to cook anything fancy but still want something utterly satisfying.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These sheet pan BBQ meatball subs are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
- The flavor is out of this world, combining sweet and smoky BBQ with hearty meatballs.
- Visually appealing with their golden-brown rolls and melted cheese, they will impress any guest.
- Versatile enough for parties or family dinners, these subs can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients for sheet pan bbq meatball subs
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for tender meatballs that don’t turn out greasy.
- Breadcrumbs: Use plain breadcrumbs to help bind the meatballs together and add texture.
- Egg: One egg will act as a binder to keep your meatballs moist and flavorful.
- BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce for extra flavor; the choice is yours!
- Shredded Cheese: Mozzarella or cheddar works beautifully for that melty goodness.
For added flavor:
- Onion Powder: A dash of onion powder elevates the taste of the meatballs without overwhelming them.
- Garlic Powder: Adds depth to the flavor profile – because who doesn’t love garlic?
End with: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make sheet pan bbq meatball subs
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix Your Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, and half of your BBQ sauce. Mix everything together until just combined; don’t overmix unless you want rubbery meatballs!
Step 3: Form Meatballs
Using your hands (or an ice cream scoop if you’re feeling fancy), form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs—about one inch in diameter works well. Place them on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
Bake those beauties in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until cooked through and browned on top. Your kitchen should smell heavenly by now!
Step 5: Add BBQ Sauce
Once baked, remove the meatballs from the oven and drizzle them generously with the remaining BBQ sauce. Toss them gently so they’re all coated in that sticky goodness.
Step 6: Assemble Your Subs
Slice open your sub rolls and place several meatballs inside each one. Top them off generously with shredded cheese before returning them to the oven for about five more minutes until everything is melty and glorious.
Transfer to plates and serve hot for an unforgettable BBQ experience that will have everyone asking for seconds!
With every bite of these scrumptious sheet pan BBQ meatball subs, you’ll find yourself transported back to simpler times filled with laughter and good food. So gather around it’s time to dig in!
You Must Know
- Sheet pan BBQ meatball subs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
- They combine juicy meatballs, tangy barbecue sauce, and gooey cheese on crusty bread.
- This recipe is a game-changer for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, mix your meatball ingredients in a bowl. Form the meatballs and place them on a sheet pan. Bake for 20 minutes, then add BBQ sauce and cheese for the final five minutes.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or veggie options for a lighter meal. Experiment with different BBQ sauces—spicy, sweet, or smoky—to suit your taste buds! You can also toss in chopped veggies for added crunch and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover meatball subs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a minute or two or bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, ensuring the bread stays crispy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect meatballs, make sure not to overmix; it keeps them tender.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform meatballs that cook evenly.
- Always check doneness with a thermometer; aim for 160°F (70°C) to ensure safety.
A friend once told me that these sheet pan BBQ meatball subs stole the show at her game night. Everyone wanted the recipe, and she felt like a rock star in her kitchen!
FAQs:
What are sheet pan BBQ meatball subs?
Sheet pan BBQ meatball subs are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that combines juicy meatballs with tangy barbecue sauce, all served on toasted sub rolls. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. balsamic caprese chicken recipe By preparing everything on a single sheet pan, you save time on cleanup while still enjoying a hearty, flavorful dish. The combination of savory meatballs and gooey cheese makes these subs irresistible.
How do I make homemade meatballs for my subs?
To make homemade meatballs for sheet pan BBQ meatball subs, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Roll the mixture into uniform balls. For added flavor, consider including grated Parmesan or Italian seasoning. Korean BBQ beef bowls Bake the meatballs on your sheet pan until they are fully cooked through. This ensures that they remain juicy and flavorful when topped with BBQ sauce.
Can I use store-bought meatballs for this recipe?
Yes, using store-bought meatballs is a great time-saver for making sheet pan BBQ meatball subs. Look for high-quality frozen or refrigerated options that you enjoy. Simply bake them according to package instructions before adding the BBQ sauce and cheese. This option allows you to whip up a satisfying meal quickly without sacrificing taste. For more inspiration, check out this hot honey chicken recipe.
What sides pair well with sheet pan BBQ meatball subs?
Sheet pan BBQ meatball subs pair wonderfully with various sides. Consider serving them alongside crispy sweet potato fries, a fresh garden salad, or coleslaw to add some crunch and balance the meal. Cajun sausage summer corn medley You can also opt for baked beans or corn on the cob for a classic barbecue feel. These sides complement the rich flavors of the subs while adding variety to your dining experience.
Conclusion for sheet pan bbq meatball subs:
In conclusion, sheet pan BBQ meatball subs offer an easy and delicious way to enjoy a classic meal with minimal effort. By combining homemade or store-bought meatballs with tangy barbecue sauce and melted cheese on toasted rolls, you create a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe not only saves time on cleanup but also delivers fantastic flavor in every bite. Enjoy these satisfying subs at your next family dinner or gathering!
Delicious Sheet Pan BBQ Meatball Subs
Delight in the ultimate comfort food with these sheet pan BBQ meatball subs. Juicy meatballs coated in sweet and tangy barbecue sauce are nestled in warm, toasted sub rolls and topped with gooey melted cheese. Perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners, this easy-to-make recipe will have everyone asking for seconds!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 6 sub rolls
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, and half of the BBQ sauce. Mix until just combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through and browned.
- Drizzle remaining BBQ sauce over the meatballs and toss gently to coat.
- Slice open each sub roll and fill with meatballs. Top generously with mozzarella cheese.
- Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted. Serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sub (approximately 190g)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: - For a healthier option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef. - Experiment with various BBQ sauces for different flavor profiles—sweet, spicy, or smoky variations work well. - Add chopped veggies like bell peppers or onions to the meat mixture for extra crunch.
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