Tacos & Tex-Mex

Taco Meatball Subs

Name: Taco Meatball Subs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup (30g) grated cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup (30g) chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 sub rolls

By Liana Ironside · June 19, 2026 · Tacos & Tex-Mex

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Total45 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made Taco Meatball Subs for my family. It was a busy weeknight, and I needed something quick, easy, and delicious. I had all the ingredients on hand, and the result was a flavor-packed dinner that everyone loved. Since then, this recipe has become a staple in our household.

The best part about Taco Meatball Subs is that they're incredibly versatile. You can customize them to your taste by adding your favorite toppings, from diced tomatoes to shredded lettuce. And, they're perfect for a crowd - simply multiply the ingredients to feed a larger group.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to make Taco Meatball Subs from scratch. We'll start with the basics: browning ground beef, cooking the meatballs, and assembling the subs. I'll also share some expert tips and tricks to ensure that your subs turn out juicy and flavorful every time.

So, let's get started! With this recipe, you'll be able to create delicious Taco Meatball Subs that will become a favorite in your household. Whether you're a busy parent or a college student, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick and easy dinner solution.

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it's a great way to get creative with your leftovers. You can use leftover taco meat to make tacos, burritos, or even a taco salad. And, if you have any leftover meatballs, you can freeze them for later use. This recipe is all about flexibility and convenience, making it perfect for a busy lifestyle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These subs are incredibly easy to make and require minimal ingredients.
They're perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, as they can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
The recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite toppings and seasonings.
Taco Meatball Subs are a crowd-pleaser, making them perfect for parties and gatherings.
They're a great way to use up leftover taco meat and other ingredients, reducing food waste and saving you money.
The subs are surprisingly healthy, with lean ground beef and plenty of vegetables.
They're a fun and creative twist on traditional tacos, offering a new and exciting flavor experience.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Taco Meatball Subs is to cook the meatballs until they're nicely browned on the outside and cooked through. This ensures that they're juicy and flavorful, with a nice texture that holds up well to the toppings.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of layering flavors. By adding different seasonings and spices at different stages of the cooking process, we can build a deep and complex flavor profile that elevates the dish to the next level. This is especially important when working with ground beef, which can sometimes be bland and boring.

Finally, the type of bread used for the subs is crucial. A crusty sub roll with a soft interior is the perfect vessel for the meatballs and toppings. It provides a nice textural contrast and helps to soak up all the juices and flavors of the filling.

By following these simple tips and techniques, you'll be able to create delicious Taco Meatball Subs that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients and equipment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making Taco Meatball Subs, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. You'll need a few basic pantry staples, including ground beef, breadcrumbs, and spices. You'll also need some fresh produce, such as onions, garlic, and lettuce. Don't worry if you don't have all the ingredients on hand - most of them can be easily substituted or omitted if necessary.

One of the most important ingredients in this recipe is the ground beef. Look for a lean cut with a good balance of fat and protein. This will help the meatballs stay juicy and flavorful, while also providing a nice texture. You can also use ground turkey or pork if you prefer, or a combination of the three for added flavor and moisture.

1 lb (450g) ground beefLook for a lean cut with a good balance of fat and protein. You can also use ground turkey or pork if you prefer, or a combination of the three for added flavor and moisture.
1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbsUse plain breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs for the best results. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs if necessary.
1/4 cup (30g) grated cheddar cheeseUse a sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor. You can also use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, if you prefer.
1/4 cup (30g) chopped onionUse a sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Maui, for the best flavor. You can also use shallots or scallions if you prefer.
2 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt if you prefer.
1 tablespoon chili powderUse a mild or medium chili powder, depending on your desired level of heat. You can also use other types of chili powder, such as ancho or guajillo, for added depth and complexity.
1 teaspoon cuminUse ground cumin for the best flavor. You can also use whole cumin seeds if you prefer, but be sure to grind them before using.
1/2 teaspoon paprikaUse sweet or smoked paprika, depending on your desired level of smokiness. You can also use other types of paprika, such as hot or sweet Hungarian paprika, for added flavor and depth.
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepperUse a mild or medium cayenne pepper, depending on your desired level of heat. You can also omit this ingredient if you prefer a milder flavor.
1/2 teaspoon saltUse kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor. You can also use other types of salt, such as table salt or Himalayan pink salt, if you prefer.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor. You can also use other types of pepper, such as white pepper or green pepper, if you prefer.
2 tablespoons olive oilUse a good-quality olive oil for the best flavor. You can also use other types of oil, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil, if you prefer.
4 sub rollsUse a crusty sub roll with a soft interior for the best results. You can also use other types of bread, such as a baguette or ciabatta, if you prefer.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerWooden spoon or spatulaBaking sheet

How to Make Taco Meatball Subs

1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
3
Use your hands to shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. You should end up with around 20-25 meatballs.
4
Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one to allow for even cooking.
5
Drizzle the olive oil over the meatballs and gently roll them around to coat them evenly.
6
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they're cooked through and lightly browned on the outside. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be at least 160°F (71°C).
7
While the meatballs are baking, toast the sub rolls in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until they're lightly browned and crispy. You can also toast them in a toaster or under the broiler for a crisper crust.
8
Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.
9
Assemble the subs by placing 4-5 meatballs on each sub roll. You can add your favorite toppings, such as diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and sliced jalapeños.
10
Serve the subs immediately and enjoy! You can also store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.
11
To reheat the subs, simply microwave them for 20-30 seconds or until they're warmed through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they're crispy and hot.

Expert Tips

Use a gentle touch when shaping the meatballs to avoid compacting them too much.
Don't overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can cause the meatballs to steam instead of brown.
If you want to add some extra flavor to the meatballs, you can mix in some diced bell peppers or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
To make the subs more substantial, you can add some sliced cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to the meatballs before baking.
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for a unique flavor profile.
Consider using a flavorful oil, such as truffle oil or chili oil, to add an extra layer of flavor to the subs.
If you're looking for a spicy kick, you can add some diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the meatballs.
To make the subs more portable, you can wrap them individually in foil or parchment paper and serve them on the go.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the meat mixture, which can make the meatballs dense and tough.
Not leaving enough space between the meatballs on the baking sheet, which can cause them to steam instead of brown.
Not cooking the meatballs to the correct internal temperature, which can result in undercooked or overcooked meat.
Not toasting the sub rolls, which can make them soggy and unappetizing.
Overloading the subs with too many toppings, which can make them difficult to eat and overwhelming to the palate.
Not reheating the subs properly, which can result in a cold and unappetizing meal.

Variations and Substitutions

Use different types of meat, such as ground turkey or pork, for a unique flavor profile.
Add some diced vegetables, such as bell peppers or onions, to the meat mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for a unique flavor profile.
Add some heat to the meatballs by mixing in some diced jalapeños or serrano peppers.
Use a flavorful oil, such as truffle oil or chili oil, to add an extra layer of flavor to the subs.
Experiment with different types of bread, such as a baguette or ciabatta, for a unique texture and flavor.
Add some fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, to the meat mixture for added flavor and freshness.

What to Serve With Taco Meatball Subs

These subs are perfect for a quick and easy dinner, and they're also great for a party or gathering. You can serve them with a variety of sides, such as chips, salad, or roasted vegetables. If you want to get creative, you can also serve them with a side of homemade salsa or guacamole.

Some other ideas for serving these subs include adding some diced tomatoes or shredded lettuce to the meatballs, or using a flavorful oil, such as truffle oil or chili oil, to add an extra layer of flavor. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for a unique flavor profile.

Chips and salsaRoasted vegetablesSalad with homemade vinaigretteGuacamole and tortilla chips

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

These subs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months, and then reheat them in the oven or microwave when you're ready to eat them.

To freeze the subs, simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer. Once they're frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 2 months.

When you're ready to reheat the subs, simply microwave them for 20-30 seconds or until they're warmed through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they're crispy and hot.

It's also a good idea to label the subs with the date they were made and the ingredients they contain, so you can easily keep track of what you have in the fridge or freezer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of meat is best for this recipe?

Ground beef is the most traditional choice, but you can also use ground turkey or pork for a unique flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

Can I make these subs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the meatballs and sub rolls ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer until you're ready to assemble and serve. Simply reheat the subs in the oven or microwave when you're ready to eat them.

What's the best way to reheat these subs?

You can reheat the subs in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they're crispy and hot. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds or until they're warmed through.

Can I customize these subs with different toppings?

Yes, you can customize the subs with your favorite toppings, such as diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and sliced jalapeños. Just be sure to choose toppings that complement the flavor of the meatballs and sub rolls.

How do I store these subs in the fridge or freezer?

You can store the subs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave when you're ready to eat them.

What's the best type of cheese to use for this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is the most traditional choice, but you can also use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta, for a unique flavor profile. Just be sure to choose a cheese that melts well and complements the flavor of the meatballs and sub rolls.

Can I make these subs in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make the meatballs in a slow cooker. Simply brown the meatballs in a skillet and then transfer them to the slow cooker with your favorite sauce and cook on low for 3-4 hours. Serve the meatballs on sub rolls with your favorite toppings.

What's the best way to cook the meatballs?

You can cook the meatballs in the oven, on the stovetop, or in a slow cooker. Just be sure to cook them to the correct internal temperature, which is at least 160°F (71°C), to ensure food safety.

The Full Recipe

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