ADVERTISEMENT
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix everything together until well combined.
Once the mixture is ready, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped jalapeños. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture, and the jalapeños are scattered for that perfect burst of spice in every bite.
2. Form and Stuff the Meatballs:
Take about a tablespoon of the meat mixture and roll it into a ball. Using your thumb, create a small well in the center of the meatball, then place a small piece of cheddar cheese inside. Seal the meatball around the cheese to fully encase it, ensuring the cheese won’t escape while cooking. Repeat this process with the remaining meat mixture.
3. Bake the Meatballs:
Arrange the stuffed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). The cheese inside will melt, creating a delicious, gooey surprise when you bite into them.
4. Assemble the Subs:
While the meatballs are baking, warm up the sub rolls in the oven for a few minutes. Slice the rolls down the middle, making sure not to cut all the way through so they stay intact for stuffing.
Once the meatballs are cooked and the rolls are ready, spoon a little marinara sauce into each roll. Then, carefully place 3-4 meatballs in each roll, nestling them into the sauce. Top the meatballs with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Melt the Cheese:
Return the assembled subs to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese has melted and is bubbly. This will ensure that your subs are warm and perfectly cheesy.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the subs from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra slices of jalapeños for a pop of color and additional heat, if desired. Serve immediately with a side of crispy fries, a refreshing salad, or some extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Cheddar & Jalapeño Stuffed Meatball Subs:
- Cheese Varieties: If you want to experiment with different flavors, you can swap out the cheddar cheese for pepper jack for an even spicier kick, or try a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a creamy, stretchy texture.
- Heat Level: For milder meatballs, use less jalapeño or remove the seeds entirely. If you’re a fan of heat, keep the seeds in or add a few more fresh jalapeños to the filling for an extra spicy punch.
- Meatball Size: For larger meatballs, increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes, ensuring they’re fully cooked through.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer before baking. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or easy weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love These Subs:
These Cheddar & Jalapeño Stuffed Meatball Subs are the perfect balance of flavors. The gooey melted cheese inside the meatballs adds richness, while the fresh jalapeños provide a satisfying kick. When paired with marinara sauce and topped with mozzarella, it’s a comfort food dream come true. The combination of spicy, cheesy, and savory will leave you craving these subs again and again.
Perfect for game day, a family gathering, or a casual dinner, this dish will have everyone at the table asking for more. Enjoy!
