Jalapeño Cheddar Beef Meatball Subs
There's something about a perfectly crafted meatball sub that brings people together. Add jalapeño and cheddar to the mix, and you've got a flavor combination that's bold, savory, and impossible to resist. This recipe takes the classic comfort food and elevates it with the kind of premium seasoning that Cousin Tony's is known for.
Why Jalapeño Cheddar Works
The beauty of this combination lies in the balance. Jalapeños bring a bright, slightly spicy kick that cuts through the richness of beef and melted cheddar. The cheese adds a creamy, tangy depth that complements the heat without overwhelming it. Together, they transform an ordinary meatball into something memorable—the kind of dish that keeps people coming back for more.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
- Fresh jalapeños, finely diced
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Cousin Tony's Jalapeño Cheddar seasoning blend
- Marinara sauce
- Sub rolls
- Additional cheddar for topping
Making the Meatballs
Start by combining your ground beef with diced jalapeños, shredded cheddar, breadcrumbs, egg, and a generous amount of Cousin Tony's Jalapeño Cheddar seasoning. Mix gently—overworking the meat makes for dense, tough meatballs. Form into balls about the size of a golf ball and bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until cooked through.
Building Your Sub
Warm your marinara sauce and toss the baked meatballs in it. Toast your sub rolls lightly to give them structure and prevent sogginess. Layer the meatballs and sauce onto each roll, then top generously with additional shredded cheddar. A quick pass under the broiler melts everything together into a cohesive, delicious whole.
Serving Suggestions
These subs are hearty enough to stand on their own, but they pair beautifully with a simple side salad or crispy fries. Serve them warm, with extra napkins on hand—these are messy in the best possible way. They're perfect for game day, family gatherings, or any time you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Jalapeño Cheddar Beef Meatball Subs
Juicy baked beef meatballs smothered in a creamy jalapeño cheddar sauce made from Cousin Tony's™ Jalapeño Cheddar Dip and Cheeseball Mix. Served on toasted hoagie rolls these subs are a saucy and satisfying Tex-Mex twist on a classic.
- Author
- Cousin Tony's
- Prep Time
- 20 minutes
- Cook Time
- 25 minutes
- Servings
- 4 servings
- Category
- Dinner
- Cuisine
- American
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese softened
- 1/2 packet Cousin Tony's Jalapeño Cheddar Dip and Cheeseball Mix
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or provolone
- Pickled jalapeño slices
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400F
- Combine beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper
- Mix gently and roll into 1.5-inch balls
- Bake on a lined baking sheet 20 minutes
- Combine cream cheese, sour cream, and Cousin Tony's Jalapeño Cheddar Dip and Cheeseball Mix in a saucepan over medium-low heat
- Stir in beef broth and heat gently until smooth
- Toss hot meatballs in the jalapeño cheddar sauce
- Pile into hoagie rolls and top with shredded cheese
- Broil 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly
- Finish with pickled jalapeño slices