Spicy BBQ Turkey Meatball Subs -

There's something undeniably comforting about a warm sub sandwich filled with juicy meatballs, especially when they come with a fiery twist. I vividly remember the first time I stumbled upon a recipe for BBQ meatball subs. It was a chilly evening, and I was in desperate need of a hearty meal that could envelop me in warmth and flavor. Scouring my kitchen, I discovered I had ground turkey, some spices, and a half-opened bottle of BBQ sauce. With a spark of creativity and a craving for something spicy, the Fiery BBQ Turkey Meatball Subs were born! This dish quickly transformed into a family favorite, and I’m thrilled to share it with you today.

Spicy BBQ Turkey Meatball Subs

Dive into comfort food heaven with Fiery BBQ Turkey Meatball Subs! This recipe features juicy ground turkey meatballs infused with spices and coated in tangy BBQ sauce, all nestled in a soft sub roll. Perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings, these subs are easy to make and healthier thanks to whole wheat breadcrumbs. Enhance your meal with fresh toppings like lettuce, red onion, and pickles. Experience a delightful explosion of flavors that will satisfy your cravings!

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground turkey

1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg, lightly beaten

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust according to your heat preference)

For the BBQ Sauce:

1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 tbsp hot sauce (such as Sriracha or your preferred variety)

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

For Assembly:

4 sub rolls

1 cup shredded lettuce

1 medium red onion, thinly sliced

1 cup sliced pickles (choose between dill or sweet bread and butter)

Optional: Additional BBQ sauce for drizzling

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to fully preheat.

Make the Meatballs:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, lightly beaten egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

- Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.

- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and arrange them on a lined baking sheet.

Bake the Meatballs:

- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F or 75°C).

Prepare the BBQ Sauce:

- While the meatballs are baking, pour the barbecue sauce, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar into a small saucepan over medium heat.

- Stir the mixture occasionally and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Once done, remove the saucepan from heat.

Coat the Meatballs:

- After baking, take the meatballs out of the oven and toss them immediately in the prepared BBQ sauce, ensuring they are fully coated.

Assemble the Subs:

- Carefully slice open the sub rolls and place them on a serving platter.

- Distribute the spicy BBQ turkey meatballs evenly among the sub rolls.

- Top each sub with shredded lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, and pickle slices. If desired, drizzle additional BBQ sauce on top for extra flavor.

Serve: Enjoy your Fiery BBQ Turkey Meatball Subs while they are hot, garnished with a sprig of parsley for an added touch of freshness and color!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | Serves 4