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- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup sweet chili sauce - 1/4 cup sriracha sauce These main ingredients form the heart of our sweet and spicy meatball subs. Ground beef gives a rich flavor, while turkey offers a lighter choice. Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs, and Parmesan adds a savory kick. The sweet chili sauce and sriracha bring the magic, creating that perfect sweet heat. - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Variations in meat types You can always enhance your subs with fresh basil. It adds a lovely touch and bright flavor. If you want to switch it up, feel free to try different meats. Chicken or even plant-based options can work well in this recipe. - Baking sheet with parchment paper - Large mixing bowl - Small saucepan Having the right tools makes cooking easier. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper keeps the meatballs from sticking. A large mixing bowl is perfect for combining the ingredients. Lastly, a small saucepan is essential for warming up the sweet and spicy sauce. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps and tips. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps cook the meatballs evenly. In a large bowl, mix these ingredients: - 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup parsley, chopped Use your hands or a spatula to blend all of this well. It should feel sticky but not too wet. Now, take small amounts of the mixture and form meatballs about 1 inch wide. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Put the baking sheet in the oven. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes. They should be golden brown when done. To check if they are cooked, use a meat thermometer. The center should read 160°F (70°C) for beef or turkey. If you don't have a thermometer, cut one meatball in half to check if it’s no longer pink inside. While the meatballs bake, let’s make the sauce. In a small saucepan, mix these sauces: - 1 cup sweet chili sauce - 1/4 cup sriracha sauce Set the heat to medium and stir until warm. You want the flavors to blend well. This sauce adds a sweet and spicy kick to the meatballs. After the meatballs are done, take them out and add them to the saucepan with the sauce. Gently mix to coat each meatball. Now, cut the sub rolls in half but don’t cut all the way through. Place them on a baking sheet. Fill each roll with the meatballs and sauce. Top them with about 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Put the subs back in the oven for 5-7 minutes. The cheese should melt and bubble nicely. Once done, take them out and add fresh basil leaves on top. Enjoy your sweet and spicy meatball subs right away! To make your sweet and spicy meatball subs shine, you need to balance sweetness and heat. Start with the sweet chili sauce. Adjust the amount to suit your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more sauce. For a kick, stir in extra sriracha. Just remember, a little goes a long way! For spices, consider these: - Garlic powder: Adds depth. - Cayenne pepper: A great heat booster. - Oregano: A classic herb for flavor. Getting the right meatball texture is key. You want them tender, not mushy. Avoid overmixing the meat when combining ingredients. This will keep them light and fluffy. Common mistakes include: - Adding too much breadcrumb: This can dry out the meatballs. - Not measuring the liquids: Too much sauce can also make them soggy. Serve your meatball subs with side dishes that complement the flavors. Crispy potato wedges are a hit. A simple green salad adds freshness. For presentation, use a rustic wooden board. It looks inviting and casual. Garnish your subs with fresh basil for a pop of color and taste. Enjoy your meal while it's hot! {{image_4}} You can easily switch up the meat in this recipe. If you want a lighter dish, use ground chicken instead of beef or turkey. Chicken has a milder taste but still works great with the sweet and spicy flavors. For a vegetarian or vegan option, try using lentils or chickpeas. You can mash them and mix with breadcrumbs and spices for a tasty meatball that everyone will enjoy. Feel free to get creative with your sauces. The sweet chili and sriracha blend is a hit, but you can try barbecue sauce for a smoky twist. Adding hoisin sauce gives a nice depth of flavor too. Don't forget about toppings! You can add sliced jalapeños for extra heat or diced red onions for crunch. Fresh herbs like cilantro or chives also brighten up the dish. Change up the bread for your subs. While soft sub rolls are classic, you can use hoagie rolls or even baguettes for a crunchier texture. If you're gluten-free, look for gluten-free rolls or wraps. These options let everyone enjoy meatball subs, no matter their diet. After you enjoy your sweet and spicy meatball subs, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the meatballs fresh and tasty. Place them in the fridge for up to three days. Be sure to let them cool before sealing the container to avoid steam buildup. To freeze leftover meatballs, follow these steps: - Let the meatballs cool completely. - Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. - Freeze for about 1-2 hours until firm. - Transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date and use them within three months for best quality. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. Warm them in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water or sauce to keep them moist. For the best results, use one of these methods to reheat your meatballs: - Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet. Cover with foil to keep them moist. Heat for 15-20 minutes. - Microwave: Place the meatballs in a bowl. Add a little sauce or water to keep them from drying out. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm. These tips ensure your meatballs stay juicy and delicious, ready to enjoy again! You can find the Full Recipe to make these delightful meatball subs again anytime. To make sweet and spicy meatball subs, follow these simple steps. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, mix ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and parsley. Shape this mixture into small meatballs. Place them on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked. Meanwhile, heat sweet chili sauce and sriracha in a saucepan. Once the meatballs are done, coat them in the sauce. Fill sub rolls with the meatballs, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake again until the cheese melts. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Yes, you can switch up the sauces! If you prefer a tangy flavor, try barbecue sauce. For a classic touch, marinara sauce works well too. You can also mix sauces for a unique taste. Just remember to adjust the heat based on your taste. Great sides to serve with meatball subs include crispy potato wedges, a simple green salad, or coleslaw. These options balance the richness of the subs. For drinks, consider a fizzy soda or iced tea to keep things refreshing. To make this recipe healthier, you can use ground turkey instead of beef. Opt for whole-grain breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use a low-fat version. Another tip is to add more veggies, like spinach or bell peppers, into the meatball mix for added nutrients. In this article, I shared how to make delicious sweet and spicy meatball subs. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to enhance flavor and texture. You learned about variations and storage options to keep your meal fresh. My final thought is simple: customize your meatball subs to fit your taste. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. These subs will surely impress anyone you serve them to!

Sweet and Spicy Meatball Subs

Elevate your next sandwich night with sweet and spicy meatball subs! This tasty recipe features flavorful meatballs made with simple ingredients like ground beef or turkey and a luscious sweet chili and sriracha sauce. Perfect for family dinners or game nights, these subs are easy to make and sure to impress. Ready to get cooking? Click through for the complete recipe and step-by-step instructions to create your own delicious meatball subs today!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style for added flavor)

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 cup sweet chili sauce

1/4 cup sriracha sauce (adjust based on your heat preference)

4 soft sub rolls

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the meatballs.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything thoroughly until evenly combined, ensuring all ingredients are well integrated.

      With clean hands, shape the mixture into meatballs, aiming for about 1 inch in diameter. Place each meatball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

        Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and have a nice golden-brown exterior. You can check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) for beef or turkey.

          While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweet chili sauce and sriracha sauce. Stir continuously until the mixture is warmed and well blended, allowing the flavors to meld together.

            Once the meatballs are ready, take them out of the oven and carefully transfer them to the saucepan with the warm sauce. Gently toss to coat each meatball liberally in the sweet and spicy mixture.

              Cut the sub rolls in half lengthwise, making sure not to cut all the way through, so they remain hinged. Arrange the rolls on a baking sheet, ready for filling.

                Generously fill each sub roll with the delicious glazed meatballs, ensuring an ample portion in each. Top the loaded rolls with an even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.

                  Return the assembled subs to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbling, creating that irresistible stretchy cheese effect.

                    Once the cheese is perfectly melted, take the subs out of the oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a touch of greenery and to elevate the flavor profile. Serve immediately while hot for the best experience.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the meatball subs on a rustic wooden board for a casual, inviting look. Pair with a side of crispy potato wedges or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.