Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 cup finely grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 sub rolls
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion (optional)
- 1/4 cup diced pickles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, milk, and grated cheddar cheese.
- Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Form the mixture into meatballs about 1½ inches in diameter (about 16 meatballs).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and lightly brown the meatballs for 2–3 minutes on each side.
- Transfer the meatballs to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until fully cooked.
- Warm the barbecue sauce in a saucepan over low heat.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and toss until fully coated.
- Slice the sub rolls and lightly toast them in the oven for 3–4 minutes.
- Place four meatballs into each roll and spoon additional barbecue sauce over the top.
- Add a slice of cheddar cheese and return the sandwiches to the oven for about 2 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Garnish with parsley, diced onions, or pickles if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- Ground turkey can be used instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Brush sub rolls with garlic butter before toasting for extra flavor.
- Add sautéed onions, mushrooms, or roasted peppers for additional toppings.
- Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Cooked meatballs can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 860 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg