Delicious Slow Cooker BBQ Meatball Subs: Your Ultimate Family-Friendly Recipe
Tired of the same old dinner routine? If your thoughts automatically jump to spaghetti every time you consider making meatballs, it’s time for a culinary refresh! Get ready to transform your dinner game with these incredible slow cooker BBQ meatball subs. This recipe offers a delightful twist on a classic, allowing savory meatballs to simmer all day in a quick and easy homemade BBQ sauce, promising a comforting meal with minimal effort.
Imagine coming home to the aroma of perfectly cooked, tender meatballs infused with a rich, tangy barbecue flavor. When dinner time arrives, simply pile these irresistible meatballs onto toasted rolls, add a layer of gooey melted cheese, and serve. It’s a remarkably easy crockpot meal the whole family will love, moving beyond traditional spaghetti and meatballs to deliver a taste experience that’s both familiar and exciting. Say goodbye to dinner ruts and hello to a new family favorite!
Speaking of fantastic slow cooker recipes, if you’re always on the lookout for new and exciting dishes for your crockpot, you absolutely must try our delightful crockpot macaroni and cheese. It’s another easy winner!
Why Slow Cooker BBQ Meatball Subs Are a Game-Changer
Dinner ruts can be exhausting. The endless cycle of tacos, baked chicken, pizza, and, yes, even spaghetti and meatballs, can leave cooks feeling uninspired and family members unenthused about mealtime. We understand that ease and convenience often take precedence over the desire to be creative in the kitchen, especially after a long day.
While having a go-to shopping list and an autopilot dinner prep routine isn’t always a bad thing, sometimes it’s truly rewarding to shake things up. Especially when the “new thing” is incredibly simple to prepare, unbelievably delicious, and guaranteed to spark excitement around the dinner table. And that’s precisely where these slow cooker BBQ meatball subs shine!
This recipe harnesses the power of your slow cooker to do most of the heavy lifting. By cooking low and slow, the meatballs become incredibly tender, and the flavors of the homemade BBQ sauce meld together beautifully. This hands-off approach allows you to focus on other tasks throughout the day, returning home to a delicious meal that’s practically ready to serve. It’s the ultimate convenience food that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Perfect BBQ Meatball Subs
One of the best aspects of making slow cooker BBQ meatball subs is the flexibility and freshness of the ingredients. You can opt to prepare your meatballs ahead of time, which makes this recipe even more convenient. If you plan to use them within two days, simply refrigerate them. For longer storage, freeze your uncooked meatballs. They can be tossed directly into the crockpot from frozen, or thawed overnight in the refrigerator for quicker cooking.
For the Meatballs: Flavorful and Tender
Creating delicious meatballs is key to a great sub. Our recipe uses common pantry staples to achieve a rich, seasoned flavor that pairs perfectly with the tangy BBQ sauce.
- Dried Breadcrumbs
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Chili Powder
- Cumin
- Kosher Salt
- Black Pepper
- Parsley (fresh is best for vibrant flavor)
- Egg (acts as a binder)
- Olive Oil (for moisture and flavor)
- Ground Beef (lean or regular, depending on your preference)
For the Barbecue Sauce: Sweet and Tangy Perfection
While you can use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce for convenience, our simple homemade version is incredibly rewarding and allows you to control the flavors. It’s the secret to making these BBQ meatball subs truly unforgettable.
- Ketchup (the base of the sauce)
- Apple Cider Vinegar (adds a crucial tang)
- Worcestershire Sauce (for depth of umami)
- Brown Sugar (balances the tang with sweetness)
- Chili Powder (a hint of warmth and spice)
- Garlic Powder (for aromatic flavor)
Helpful Kitchen Tools for Easy Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking a breeze. Here are a few items that will make preparing these slow cooker BBQ meatball subs even easier:
- Mixing bowls (for preparing meatballs and sauce)
- Crockpot (your essential slow cooking companion)
- Measuring cups and spoons (for accurate ingredient ratios)
- Saucepan (optional, if you prefer to whisk the sauce ingredients over heat briefly)
The Magic of Low and Slow Cooking
Dedicate just 10 minutes in the morning to prepare the flavorful meatballs and whisk together the simple homemade BBQ sauce. Once everything is in your slow cooker, you can go about your day, knowing that a fantastic meal is gently cooking itself. You’ll arrive home to a house filled with the comforting, savory scent of slow-cooked meatballs, just begging to be piled into soft, toasted rolls. The long cooking time ensures the meatballs are incredibly tender and fully infused with that irresistible barbecue flavor. This hands-off cooking method is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Assembling Your Irresistible Meatball Subs
The final step in creating these perfect BBQ meatball subs is all about assembly. Toasting the rolls adds a delightful crunch and helps them stand up to the juicy meatballs. And for an extra layer of decadence? Melted provolone cheese is a must! The combination of warm, saucy meatballs, crunchy bread, and gooey cheese will elevate your standard meatball night into a truly special meal that looks (and tastes!) shiny and new again.
Can you hear the cheering from your family yet?
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These slow cooker BBQ meatball subs are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with a simple side can complete the meal. A crisp green salad, coleslaw, or even some homemade french fries would be excellent accompaniments. For variations, consider experimenting with different types of cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, or a spicy Monterey Jack. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or sliced red onion on top for extra flavor and texture. If you’re not a fan of ground beef, try making the meatballs with ground turkey or a beef-pork blend. The versatility of this meatball subs recipe means you can tailor it to your family’s preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Meatball Subs
Here are some common questions you might have when making these delicious slow cooker BBQ meatball subs:
- Can I use frozen meatballs? Yes, absolutely! If you’re short on time, pre-made frozen meatballs can be used. Simply add them to the slow cooker with the BBQ sauce and cook on low until heated through and tender, usually around 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low.
- How can I make the BBQ sauce spicier? To add a kick, you can include a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or a finely minced jalapeño to your homemade BBQ sauce. Adjust to your desired level of heat.
- What kind of rolls are best for meatball subs? Hoagie rolls, Italian bread, or even sturdy hot dog buns work wonderfully. The key is a roll that can hold up to the saucy meatballs without getting too soggy. Toasted rolls are always recommended for this reason.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party? Yes! The meatballs can be cooked entirely in the slow cooker and kept on the “warm” setting for up to 2 hours, making them perfect for entertaining. Set up a station with toasted rolls and cheese for guests to assemble their own.
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OTHER MEATBALL RECIPES YOU MAY ENJOY:
If you’re a true meatball enthusiast, there are many delicious ways to incorporate them into your meals beyond these fantastic slow cooker BBQ meatball subs. Explore these other mouth-watering meatball creations:
- Using refrigerator biscuits, meatballs, and some cheese, you can make these super delicious meatball stuffed biscuits that work perfectly as an appetizer or a quick grab-and-go dinner.
- Here’s a hearty meal that’s perfect for fall evenings or whenever you crave a warm, comforting bowl. My meatball soup is full of rich flavors and incredibly easy to make.
- For those who cherish a classic supper, this recipe for spaghetti and meatballs in a robust marinara sauce is an absolute must-try!
- April over at Girl Gone Gourmet has a wonderful looking dish called Braised Meatballs with Buttered Noodles that offers a different, equally delicious way to enjoy meatballs.
- This spaghetti and meatballs recipe is generously smothered in a flavorful marinara sauce that’s perfectly seasoned with fresh herbs, delivering a truly authentic taste.
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Slow Cooker BBQ Meatball Subs
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- For the Meatballs
- ¼ cup dried breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- For the BBQ Sauce or use your favorite jarred sauce
- 2 cups ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 4 to p-split rolls
- 4 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
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Mix the breadcrumbs and spices together in a large bowl. Add the parsley, egg, and olive oil and mix until well combined. Add the ground beef and, using your hands, mix until combined.
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To make the BBQ sauce combine all of the sauce ingredients together in the slow cooker.
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Scoop a couple generous tablespoons of the ground beef mixture to form each meatball, you should have approximately 16 meatballs when done. Place the meatballs in a single layer in the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the meatballs to coat. Cook on low for eight hours.
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To make the sandwiches: turn the oven to broil. Split the buns and place them on a baking sheet. Toast the buns under the broiler for a few minutes until golden brown. Place the meatballs in each roll. Top with slices of provolone cheese and place under the broiler just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.