These Beef BBQ Cheeseburger Meatball Subs combine the hearty satisfaction of a cheeseburger with the saucy indulgence of a meatball sub. Packed with smoky BBQ flavor, cheddar cheese, and beef bacon, these subs make a perfect casual dinner or game-day meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Two favorites in one: A mashup of cheeseburgers and meatball subs, loaded with flavor.
Smoky and savory: BBQ sauce and smoked paprika elevate the beef with a tangy, rich profile.
Quick and hearty: Ready in just 35 minutes for a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet simple.
Great for gatherings: Easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef
½ cup cooked beef bacon crumbles
¼ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup BBQ sauce
¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 sub rolls
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika

directions

Prepare the meatballs
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, beef bacon crumbles, breadcrumbs, BBQ sauce, shredded cheddar, and smoked paprika. Mix until just combined. Form into evenly sized meatballs.
Brown the meatballs
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides for about 5 minutes.
Bake until cooked through
Transfer meatballs to a baking dish. Bake at 375 °F (190 °C) for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 °F.
Toast the sub rolls
While meatballs bake, slice the sub rolls and lightly toast them in the oven or on a skillet until golden.
Assemble the subs
Place meatballs into the toasted rolls. Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top if desired, and return to the oven for 1–2 minutes to melt the cheese.
Serve
Serve hot, optionally with extra BBQ sauce or pickles on the side.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Calories: ~520 per serving

Variations

Spicy version: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meatball mix.
Different cheese: Use pepper jack, mozzarella, or gouda for unique flavor twists.
Alternative meats: Ground turkey or chicken work well as lighter substitutes.
Mini sliders: Form smaller meatballs and serve on dinner rolls for party bites.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm meatballs in the oven at 350 °F for 10 minutes or in a skillet with a splash of water and covered.
Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs (without bread) for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular bacon instead of beef bacon?

Yes, regular bacon can be used, but it will slightly alter the flavor and fat content.

2. What’s the best type of BBQ sauce for this?

Use a thick, smoky-style BBQ sauce for the richest flavor—hickory or chipotle varieties work well.

3. Can I make the meatballs ahead?

Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate them raw for up to 24 hours or freeze them for later use.

4. What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?

You can use crushed crackers, oats, or even torn bread as a substitute.

5. Can I grill the meatballs instead of baking?

Yes, grill on skewers or in a grill basket over medium heat, turning until cooked through.

6. What sides go well with this?

Coleslaw, potato wedges, or a simple green salad are great complements.

7. Are these good for meal prep?

Yes. Make and store meatballs separately, then assemble subs when ready to eat.

8. How do I prevent the meatballs from drying out?

Avoid overmixing the meat and bake only until just done to keep them juicy.

9. Can I add vegetables?

Diced onions or bell peppers can be mixed into the meatballs or added as toppings.

10. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes—omit the smoked paprika if needed for milder taste.

Conclusion

These Beef BBQ Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are a fun and satisfying twist on classic comfort food. With juicy, cheesy meatballs and the smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce tucked into a toasted roll, they’re sure to become a favorite at any table. Perfect for weeknights, parties, or a weekend treat!

Beef BBQ Cheeseburger Meatball Subs

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Author: Douaa
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4-servings

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Description

These Beef BBQ Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are a delicious mash-up of juicy meatballs, smoky BBQ flavor, and cheesy goodness, all tucked into toasted sub rolls. Perfect for game day, casual dinners, or hearty lunches. Keywords: beef BBQ meatball subs, cheeseburger subs, BBQ meatball sandwich, easy meatball sub recipe.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup cooked beef bacon crumbles
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup BBQ sauce
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 sub rolls
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika

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Instructions

Make Meatballs:
In a bowl, mix ground beef, beef bacon, breadcrumbs, BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, and smoked paprika. Form into meatballs.
Cook Meatballs:
Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown meatballs on all sides. Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until fully cooked.
Assemble Subs:
Toast sub rolls, place 3–4 meatballs inside each, and sprinkle with additional cheddar cheese if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Substitute turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Add pickles or crispy onions for texture and extra flavor.
Best served fresh, but meatballs can be made ahead and reheated.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American