Who says you can’t have your favorite burger flavors in a sub? Let’s dive into the world of our fantastic Cheeseburger Subs! This recipe takes the beloved classic cheeseburger and packs it into a convenient, easy-to-eat subform.
It’s perfect for those busy weekdays when you’re juggling a million tasks or for those lazy weekends when all you want to do is relax and enjoy a good meal.
Want to try more burger recipes? Why not test out the Crispy Chicken Burger (KFC Zinger Burger)? For something a little different, try a Waffle Burger. Or if you need something for a party, make some of these simple Burger Bombs.
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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delivers a flavor punch: Each bite of this Cheeseburger Sub is a delightful mix of juicy beef, gooey cheese, and a kick of spices. It’s like a flavor party in your mouth!
- Kid-friendly: Worried about pleasing picky eaters? Don’t! This recipe is a proven hit with the little ones. After all, who can resist a cheeseburger and a sub combined?
- Versatile: Feeling creative? You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your palate. Add some grilled onions, swap the cheese, or throw in some mushrooms – the possibilities are endless!
🧾 Ingredients Needed
I’ve highlighted a couple of ingredients below with some relevant notes. Aside from this, the ingredients needed are pretty basic.
- Ground Beef – Opt for lean ground beef to keep those calories in check. But remember, a little fat adds great flavor, so a ratio of 85:15 lean to fat can give your Cheeseburger Sub that mouth-watering taste without going overboard on the calories.
- Cheddar Cheese – A Cheeseburger Sub isn’t complete without that cheesy goodness! My go-to is sharp cheddar for its rich, tangy flavor, but feel free to use your favorite type. If you’re looking for melt-in-your-mouth cheese, grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents, which can affect meltability.
- Sandwich Rolls – Fresh sandwich rolls or sub buns can take this Sub to another level. If you can, get them from a local bakery the day you plan to make your dish. If that’s not feasible, a high-quality store-bought brand will do just fine.
📖 Substitutions
Sometimes substitutions are necessary because of ingredients that are unavailable or needed for dietary restrictions. Here are some suggestions that can help:
- Ground Beef: Not a fan of beef or just don’t have it on hand? Ground turkey is a great alternative – it’s lean, high in protein, and still delivers a satisfying texture. For vegetarians, a meat substitute like lentils can work wonders.
- Onion Powder: Freshly chopped onions can give you that same onion flavor if you don’t have any onion powder. White or yellow onions will do the trick. Alternatively, garlic powder can also be used for a different flavor profile.
- Cheddar Cheese: If cheddar isn’t your favorite or you don’t have it in your fridge, don’t worry! Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese can also provide that creamy, melty goodness. Vegans can opt for vegan cheese substitutes.
- Sandwich Rolls: If you’re gluten intolerant or simply want to switch it up, gluten-free bread, whole grain rolls, or even lettuce wraps are excellent alternatives.
- Mayonnaise, Ketchup, Yellow Mustard: Looking for a healthier spread or just ran out of these condiments? Greek yogurt is a nice substitute for mayonnaise. A mixture of vinegar and sugar can mimic the tangy sweetness of ketchup. For mustard, turmeric and vinegar mixed together can give a close flavor match.
📖 Variations
- Bacon Lover’s Dream: If you’re a firm believer that everything is better with bacon, this one’s for you. Cook up some crispy bacon and add it to your sub for that extra crunch and smoky flavor.
- Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, toss in some jalapenos or sprinkle on some crushed red pepper flakes. It’s a surefire way to bring some spice to your subs!
- Extra Cheesy Extravaganza: Double the cheese, double the fun! Try adding another type of cheese to your sub. A blend of cheddar and mozzarella could be your next favorite.
- Avo-licious: Add a few slices of fresh avocado or a dollop of guacamole for a creamy, nutrient-packed addition to your sub.
- Herb Delight: Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can add a burst of freshness and elevate the flavor profile of your Cheeseburger Sub.
- Mushroom Magic: Sauteed mushrooms can give your sub an earthy flavor and a wonderful texture contrast.
👩🏻🍳 How to Make Cheeseburger Subs
This cheeseburger sub recipe is broken into 2 components:
- Cook the beef
- Make the sub
*Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list & instructions!*
STEP 1: Cook the Ground Beef: Start by cooking your ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. (So these sandwiches won’t have burger patties like a stovetop burger or air fryer burger… they’ll have loose meat such as a sloppy joe recipe.) Add seasonings as you cook, and make sure there is no pink left in the meat. (Image 1).
STEP 2: Prepare the Sauce: While the beef is cooking, mix your sauce. Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard in a bowl until they’re well blended. (Image 2).
STEP 3: Prep Your Baking Sheet: Cover your baking sheet with foil and lay out the sandwich rolls on it. (Image 3).
STEP 4: Assemble the Subs: With your sandwich rolls laid out, add your cooked beef to the bottom half of each roll. Top the beef with a slice of cheese or more, depending on your preference. (Image 4).
STEP 5: Broil the Subs: Place the assembled subs in the oven and broil on high for 1-2 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to melt and the rolls to toast.
STEP 6: Add the Sauce and Toppings: After you remove the subs from the oven, apply the sauce to the top half of each roll and add your favorite toppings. Enjoy your cheeseburger subs!
💭 Recipe Pro Tips
- Savor the Flavor: Cooking the ground beef over medium heat will help to keep it juicy and flavorful. Don’t rush this step – taking your time will ensure maximum flavor!
- Cheese Matters: The cheese you use can make or break your sub. Experiment with different types to find your perfect match. And remember, quality matters. A good quality cheese will melt better and taste richer.
- Freshness is Key: Using fresh ingredients, especially when it comes to your toppings, can really elevate your sub. Fresh lettuce, tomato slices, and onions can add a wonderful crunch and freshness that complements the rich, savory beef and cheese beautifully.
- Get Saucy: Don’t skimp on the sauce! This is what brings all the flavors together. Feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your taste. This is the burger sauce we like to use because it is quick and easy and also has our preferred ratio of mayo, ketchup, and mustard. You can always dress it up by adding pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, garlic or onion powder, or replacing the yellow mustard with a brown or spicy variety.
- Watch the Broil: Keep a close eye on your subs when they’re under the broiler. It can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a matter of seconds. You want your cheese to be bubbly and slightly golden and your buns toasty but not too hard.
📋 Recipe FAQs
Definitely! While we’ve used ground beef in this recipe, you can easily replace it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian alternative like lentils or a meat substitute.
Yes, you can. Cook the meat and prepare the sauce ahead of time, then store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, assemble your subs and pop them under the broiler. Remember, the bread can go from toasted to burnt in a blink, so keep a close eye on it!
If you don’t have any onion powder on hand, freshly chopped onions can deliver that same onion flavor. White or yellow onions will work equally well. Alternatively, garlic powder can provide a different, yet equally delicious, flavor profile!
Absolutely! The sauce is what brings all the flavors together, so feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your taste. You can add pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, or onion powder, or swap out the yellow mustard for a brown or spicy variety. Get creative and make this cheeseburger sub your own!
🍽 What to Serve with Cheeseburger Subs
Cheeseburger Subs are a meal in themselves, but pairing them with a few other dishes can turn a simple sandwich into a complete feast! Here are some delightful side dish ideas to serve with your subs:
- Sweet Potato Fries: Swap out the traditional French fries for a healthier, yet equally delicious, sweet potato version. They’re easy to make, and their sweet flavor pairs amazingly with the savory subs.
- Fresh Garden Salad: If you’re looking for a lighter side, a fresh garden side salad loaded with your favorite veggies like red onions and green peppers is a great choice. Drizzle with a tangy vinaigrette to bring out the freshness of the veggies.
- Dill Pickle Spears: Add some tang and crunch to your Cheeseburger Sub meal with some dill pickle spears. It’s a simple addition that packs a punch of flavor.
- Baked Beans: Baked beans are a classic side for any burger meal, and they’re just as good with subs. Their sweet and smoky flavor complements the meaty subs perfectly.
- Creamy Mac ‘n’ Cheese: For all the cheese lovers out there, serving your Cheeseburger Subs with a side of creamy mac ‘n’ cheese is like a dream come true! It’s a comfort food match made in heaven.
❄️ Storage
Storing and Freezing Cheeseburger Subs: If you happen to have any leftovers, you can store them in covered air-tight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven or under the broiler until the cheese is melty and the bun is crisped to your liking.
I recommend freezing the components separately for best results. Cool the cooked ground beef, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. You can store the sauce in a separate container.
When you’re ready to assemble your subs, just thaw your ingredients in the refrigerator, heat up the beef, and you’re good to go. Remember, always label your containers with the date so you know when you need to use them by.
🥪 More Sandwich Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for more sandwich ideas? I have some tasty ones for you! First, there’s the Italian Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls that make use of delicious Hawaiian rolls, and I also use them for this smoked sliders recipe. For a more traditional sandwich, make this Mozzarella Wrap with Tomato and Basil. Or, for a twist on the classic, test out this Peanut Butter and Syrup Sandwich.
Did you make this? I’d be so grateful if you left a “star” rating below to let me know what you thought! Then, the next time you need a quick and easy recipe, come back to Fantabulosity to browse all of my easy recipes!
Recipe
Cheeseburger Subs
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 6 slices of Cheddar Cheese
- 6 Sub Sandwich Rolls
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Ketchup
- 2 teaspoons Yellow Mustard
Instructions
- Place beef and seasonings into a skillet over medium heat. Cook until the meat is done and no longer pink.
- Next, make the sauce. Mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard together until well combined.
- Cover a baking sheet with foil. Place the rolls onto the baking sheet to assemble. Next, add cooked beef to the bottom of the bun, then add a slice, or more, of cheese.
- Leaving the sandwiches open, broil in the oven on Hi, for 1-2 minutes. The cheese should be melted, and the bread toasted when done.
- Once done, spoon the sauce on to the top half of the bun and then add your favorite burger toppings.
Notes
- If meat is very greasy/oily, drain before putting on rolls.
- You can use shredded cheese, but I felt like the sliced cheese held the ground beef on the sandwich better.
- This is the burger sauce we like to use because it is quick and easy and also has our preferred ratio of mayo, ketchup, and mustard. You can always dress it up by adding pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, garlic or onion powder, or replacing the yellow mustard with a brown or spicy variety.
- We enjoyed our cheeseburger subs topped with onions, dill pickle, lettuce, and tomato.
- We recommend storing leftovers separately so that the bread does not get soggy. Refrigerate for up to five days.
- These were so fun and easy to make! Cooking them this way made for easy prep and clean up….no grill to heat up or patties to make.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
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