Are you ready to elevate your tailgating game with a mouthwatering twist? Look no further than these delicious Savory Tailgate Meatball Subs. Packed with flavor, these subs are an absolute game-changer for any sports gathering. With a perfect blend of juicy meatballs, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese, these subs are guaranteed to be a hit. Whether you’re cheering on your favorite team or hosting a backyard party, these Savory Tailgate Meatball Subs will have your guests lining up for seconds. So, get ready to kick off an unforgettable tailgating experience with this easy and crowd-pleasing recipe.
Recipe 1: Classic Italian Meatball Subs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 to 6 sub rolls, split
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 8 slices mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, garlic, egg, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
- While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and place them in the marinara sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs with the sauce.
- Spoon the meatballs and sauce onto the bottom halves of the sub rolls. Top with mozzarella cheese slices.
- Place the subs on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and cover with the top halves of the sub rolls. Serve hot and enjoy!
Recipe 2: BBQ Bacon Meatball Subs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 4 to 6 sub rolls, split
- 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
- In a small saucepan, heat the BBQ sauce over medium heat.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and place them in the BBQ sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs with the sauce.
- Spoon the meatballs and sauce onto the bottom halves of the sub rolls. Top with crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions.
- Place the subs on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and cover with the top halves of the sub rolls. Serve hot and enjoy!
Recipe 3: Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 to 6 sub rolls, split
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, bread crumbs, celery, onion, garlic, hot sauce, melted butter, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
- In a small bowl, mix together the hot sauce and melted butter to create a buffalo sauce.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and toss them in the buffalo sauce until coated.
- Spoon the meatballs onto the bottom halves of the sub rolls. Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing and top with sliced green onions.
- Place the subs on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Remove from the oven and cover with the top halves of the sub rolls. Serve hot and enjoy!
Recipe 4: Teriyaki Pineapple Meatball Subs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 to 6 sub rolls, split
- 1/2 cup diced pineapple
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, garlic, teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
- In a small bowl, mix together the teriyaki sauce and pineapple juice.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and toss them in the teriyaki-pineapple sauce until coated.
- Spoon the meatballs onto the bottom halves of the sub rolls. Top with diced pineapple and sliced green onions.
- Place the subs on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Remove from the oven and cover with the top halves of the sub rolls. Serve hot and enjoy!
Recipe 5: Mediterranean Lamb Meatball Subs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 to 6 sub rolls, split
- 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced kalamata olives
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, bread crumbs, red onion, garlic, mint, parsley, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven.
- Spoon the tzatziki sauce onto the bottom halves of the sub rolls. Place the meatballs on top of the sauce.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and sliced kalamata olives over the meatballs.
- Place the subs on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Remove from the oven and cover with the top halves of the sub rolls. Serve hot and enjoy!
Recipe 6: Vegetarian Mushroom and Quinoa Meatball Subs
Ingredients
- 8 ounces mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 to 6 sub rolls, split
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 8 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mushrooms, cooked quinoa, bread crumbs, onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
- While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and place them in the marinara sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs with the sauce.
- Spoon the meatballs and sauce onto the bottom halves of the sub rolls. Top with provolone cheese slices.
- Place the subs on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and cover with the top halves of the sub rolls. Serve hot and enjoy!
Recipe 7: Hawaiian Pizza Meatball Subs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped pineapple
- 1/4 cup chopped ham
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 to 6 sub rolls, split
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, garlic, pineapple, ham, pizza sauce, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven.
- Spoon the pizza sauce onto the bottom halves of the sub rolls. Place the meatballs on top of the sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and sliced green onions over the meatballs.
- Place the subs on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and cover with the top halves of the sub rolls. Serve hot and enjoy!
Recipe 8: Jalapeno Popper Chicken Meatball Subs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped jalapenos
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 to 6 sub rolls, split
- 1/2 cup sliced jalapenos
- 1/4 cup crispy bacon bits
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, bread crumbs, jalapenos, onion, garlic, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven.
- Spoon the meatballs onto the bottom halves of the sub rolls. Top with sliced jalapenos and crispy bacon bits.
- Place the subs on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Remove from the oven and cover with the top halves of the sub rolls. Serve hot and enjoy!
Recipe 9: Caprese Style Mozzarella Meatball Subs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 to 6 sub rolls, split
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 8 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, garlic, basil, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
- While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and place them in the marinara sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs with the sauce.
- Spoon the meatballs and sauce onto the bottom halves of the sub rolls. Top with fresh mozzarella cheese slices and sliced basil.
- Place the subs on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and cover with the top halves of the sub rolls. Serve hot and enjoy!
Recipe 10: Asian Hoisin Glazed Meatball Subs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 4 to 6 sub rolls, split
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, bread crumbs, green onions, garlic, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and ground ginger. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven.
- Spoon the meatballs onto the bottom halves of the sub rolls. Top with shredded carrots and chopped cilantro.
- Place the subs on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Remove from the oven and cover with the top halves of the sub rolls. Serve hot and enjoy!
With these ten delicious and unique meatball sub recipes, your next tailgate will be a hit! Whether you’re in the mood for classic Italian flavors, a spicy buffalo kick, or a taste of the Mediterranean, there’s a meatball sub to satisfy every craving. And we can’t forget about our vegetarian friends who will love the mushroom and quinoa option. With a variety of flavors and textures, these recipes are sure to please everyone.
Starting with the Classic Italian Meatball Subs, you’ll create savory meatballs seasoned with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a blend of Italian herbs. The meatballs are then smothered in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Served on a toasted sub roll, this classic combination is always a crowd-pleaser.
For those who prefer a smoky and tangy twist, BBQ Bacon Meatball Subs are the way to go. The meatballs are made with a mixture of ground beef, onion, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. After baking, they are coated in BBQ sauce and topped with crumbled bacon and melted cheddar cheese. The result is a meatball sub with a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors.
If you’re a fan of buffalo chicken wings, you’ll love the Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs. These chicken meatballs are seasoned with hot sauce, garlic, and onion, and then tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce. Served on a sub roll with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing, this sub is guaranteed to pack a flavorful punch.
Looking to add a tropical twist? Try the Teriyaki Pineapple Meatball Subs. Made with ground beef, onion, garlic, and a tangy teriyaki-pineapple sauce, these meatballs are bursting with sweet and savory flavors. Topped with diced pineapple and sliced green onions, this sub is like a mini vacation in your mouth.
For a taste of the Mediterranean, the Mediterranean Lamb Meatball Subs are a must-try. These lamb meatballs are seasoned with fresh herbs like mint and parsley, along with spices like cumin and cinnamon. They are served on a sub roll with creamy tzatziki sauce, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced kalamata olives. The combination of flavors is truly divine.
Vegetarian meatball lovers rejoice! The Vegetarian Mushroom and Quinoa Meatball Subs are a delicious and nutritious option. Made with finely chopped mushrooms, cooked quinoa, onion, garlic, and herbs, these meatballs are full of earthy flavors. Served on a sub roll with marinara sauce and melted provolone cheese, this vegetarian sub is anything but boring.
For pizza lovers, the Hawaiian Pizza Meatball Subs offer a tasty twist. The meatballs are made with ground beef, onion, garlic, pineapple, ham, and pizza sauce. Topped with shredded mozzarella cheese and sliced green onions, this sub captures the essence of a classic Hawaiian pizza in a hand-held form.
If you love the heat, the Jalapeno Popper Chicken Meatball Subs are definitely for you. These chicken meatballs are seasoned with jalapenos, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Topped with sliced jalapenos and crispy bacon bits, this sub is a spicy and indulgent treat.
If you enjoy the flavors of a Caprese salad, you’ll love the Caprese Style Mozzarella Meatball Subs. These meatballs are made with ground beef, onion, garlic, fresh basil, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Topped with fresh mozzarella cheese slices and sliced basil, this sub is a refreshing and cheesy delight.
Finally, the Asian Hoisin Glazed Meatball Subs offer a fusion of Asian flavors. These pork meatballs are seasoned with green onions, garlic, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and ground ginger. Served on a sub roll with shredded carrots and fresh cilantro, this sub is a burst of savory and sweet flavors.
No matter which meatball sub recipe you choose, you’re guaranteed to impress your friends and family at your next tailgate or gathering. With a wide variety of flavors and ingredients, there’s a meatball sub to suit any palate. So grab your apron and get cooking – it’s time to elevate your tailgate game with these savory meatball subs!