Cheeseburger-Style Meatball Sub Recipe
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Servings:
4 Servings
Ingredients
  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef
  • ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, for cooking
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped dill pickles
  • 1 teaspoon pickle brine
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 4 hoagie rolls
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 8 slices American cheese
  • 1 cup finely shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
  • ¼ small yellow onion, finely diced or thinly sliced
  • Dill pickle chips, to taste
Directions
  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Mix with your hands until just combined.
  2. Form into 16-18 meatballs, approximately 1 ½ inches in diameter, or the size of a golf ball.
  3. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Add the meatballs and sear for 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and continue cooking for another 5–7 minutes, or until the centers reach 160 F.
  6. While the meatballs cook, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, chopped pickles, pickle brine, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
  7. Preheat the oven to 400 F.
  8. Split the hoagie rolls lengthwise, leaving one side attached. Brush the cut sides and exteriors lightly with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  9. Toast for 3–4 minutes, until lightly golden.
  10. Tear the cheese slices in half and layer one slice into each bun. Arrange four meatballs inside each toasted roll, then cover with the remaining slices of cheese.
  11. Return the rolls to the oven and bake until the cheese melts, about 2-3 minutes.
  12. Spoon or drizzle burger sauce over the melted cheese. Add shredded iceberg lettuce, tomato slices, onions, and pickle chips.
  13. Serve immediately.