Turn dinner into a delight with Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs, comfort food that’s messy, meaty, and utterly delicious. These hearty sandwiches combine the rich, tangy flavors of classic sloppy joe sauce with tender meatballs all nestled inside a soft sub roll. Whether you’re gearing up for game day or simply craving a satisfying, handheld meal, Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs bring together the best of both worlds in one irresistible bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate comfort food: This recipe brings together two beloved classics for a cozy and satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.
Messy and fun to eat: Each sub bursts with saucy goodness that makes every bite exciting and delicious.
Perfect for game day: Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs are easy to prepare in advance, making them ideal for parties and casual gatherings.
Customizable flavors: You can adjust the spices and toppings to suit your taste effortlessly.
Great balance of textures: The tender meatballs contrasted with the soft yet sturdy sub roll create the perfect mouthfeel.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect blend of flavors and textures that define Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs.

Ground beef: The base protein, offering juicy richness and meaty flavor essential to the meatballs.
Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs and keep them tender while adding subtle texture.
Onion and garlic: These aromatics bring depth and savory warmth to the sauce and meatballs.
Ketchup and tomato paste: Create that signature tangy and slightly sweet sloppy joe sauce base.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity with a touch of umami that elevates the meatball filling.
Brown sugar: Balances acidity with a note of sweetness for a rich flavor profile.
Cheese slices or shredded cheese: Melts perfectly on top, adding luscious creaminess and extra flavor.
Sub rolls: Soft but sturdy rolls to hold all the saucy meatball goodness without falling apart.

Variations

One of the best things about Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs is how adaptable they are. Feel free to switch things up based on dietary needs, ingredients you have on hand, or simply your personal favorites. Customizing the recipe is both fun and easy.

Vegetarian option: Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or lentils for a hearty meatless version.
Spicy twist: Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños for an extra kick of heat.
Cheese choices: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, provolone, or pepper jack depending on your preferred melt and flavor.
Different bread: Use ciabatta, hoagie rolls, or even brioche buns for a unique bread texture and flavor.
Healthy swap: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.

Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs That Are Perfect for Game Day

How to Make Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine, then form into evenly sized meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. Set them aside on a baking sheet.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a touch of oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides until they develop a nice crust but remain juicy inside. Remove and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce

In the same skillet, sauté diced onions and garlic until fragrant. Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of water. Let the sauce simmer gently to thicken and blend flavors.

Step 4: Combine Meatballs and Sauce

Return the browned meatballs to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Simmer together for 10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to soak up the rich, tangy sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the Subs

Slice your sub rolls and lay a generous portion of meatballs and sauce inside each. Top with your favorite cheese and, if desired, place briefly under a broiler or in a hot oven until the cheese melts.

Pro Tips for Making Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs

Use fresh aromatics: Fresh onion and garlic enhance the depth of flavor significantly compared to powders.
Don’t overmix the meat: Handling the meat gently keeps the meatballs tender, not dense.
Let the sauce simmer: Slow simmering blends the flavors and thickens the sauce for the perfect sloppy texture.
Choose the right bread: Opt for sturdy rolls to avoid sogginess and hold up to the meatballs and sauce.
Add cheese at the end: Melting cheese right before serving helps keep the subs warm and gooey.

How to Serve Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs

Garnishes

Top your subs with fresh chopped parsley, sliced pickles, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to add bright color and an exciting flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

Complement your subs with classic game day sides like crispy fries, crunchy coleslaw, or a refreshing pickle spear for an unbeatable meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the meatballs on mini slider buns, or pile the saucy meatballs over crispy toasted bread for an open-faced sandwich experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep bread separate to maintain freshness.

Freezing

Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent drying out. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I make Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce up to two days in advance and assemble the subs right before serving for the freshest taste.

What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Cheddar melts well and adds sharpness, but provolone, mozzarella, or pepper jack are excellent alternatives depending on your preference.

Can I use frozen meatballs for Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs?

Yes, frozen meatballs can be used. Just thaw them first and warm in the sloppy joe sauce until heated through before assembling the subs.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Definitely! The mildly sweet and tangy flavors usually appeal to children, but you can tone down spices to suit younger palates.

How spicy are Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs?

The recipe is traditionally mild, but you can easily add heat with cayenne pepper or hot sauce to give it a spicy kick.

Final Thoughts

Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs combine the best of two classic comfort foods into one fun and flavorful meal. They’re easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for sharing at your next game day gathering or cozy dinner. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite sandwich that’s as satisfying as it is delicious!

Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs

Author: Savannah
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Contains meat and dairy

Print Recipe

Description

Sloppy Joe Meatball Subs are a hearty and comforting handheld meal that combines juicy, tender meatballs with rich, tangy sloppy joe sauce, all nestled in soft yet sturdy sub rolls. Perfect for game day or casual dinners, these sandwiches offer a delicious blend of flavors and textures that satisfy both kids and adults alike.

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine without overmixing, then form into evenly sized meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. Set them aside on a baking sheet.
Brown the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a touch of oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides until they develop a nice crust but remain juicy inside. Remove and set aside on a plate.
Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté diced onions and garlic until fragrant and softened. Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of water. Let the sauce simmer gently to thicken and blend the flavors.
Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Simmer together for 10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to soak up the rich, tangy sauce.
Assemble the Subs: Slice your sub rolls and lay a generous portion of meatballs and sauce inside each. Top with your favorite cheese and, if desired, place briefly under a broiler or in a hot oven until the cheese melts and becomes gooey.

Notes

Use fresh onion and garlic for deeper flavor instead of powders.
Handle the meat mixture gently to keep meatballs tender.
Allow the sauce to simmer slowly to develop the perfect thick and tangy texture.
Choose sturdy sub rolls to prevent sogginess and hold all fillings well.
Add cheese at the end for a warm, melty topping right before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking, Sautéing
Cuisine: American