Tikka Masala Meatball Subs — say hello to your new favorite comfort food fusion! 🍛🥖🔥 Juicy Indian-spiced meatballs smothered in a creamy, tomato-rich tikka masala sauce, all nestled into a crusty sub roll and finished with fresh herbs and cooling yogurt. It’s messy, indulgent, and 100% worth it.
🧆 Tikka Masala Meatball Subs
Ingredients (serves 4):
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb (or a mix)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1½ tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 small egg
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)
For the Tikka Masala Sauce:
- 1 tbsp butter or oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- Salt to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp sugar (if tomatoes are too acidic)
For the Subs:
- 4 crusty sub rolls or baguettes
- Greek yogurt or raita for topping
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Optional: sliced red onions or pickled onions
Instructions:
- Make the Meatballs:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.
- In a bowl, mix all the meatball ingredients. Form into 1-inch balls and place on the sheet.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- Make the Tikka Masala Sauce:
- In a deep skillet, heat butter/oil over medium heat. Sauté onions until soft.
- Add garlic, ginger, and spices. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add cream, stir, and simmer for another 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Season to taste.
- Combine:
- Add the cooked meatballs to the tikka masala sauce. Simmer for 5–10 minutes to coat and infuse.
- Assemble the Subs:
- Toast your sub rolls if you like them crispy.
- Spoon 3–4 meatballs and plenty of sauce into each roll.
- Drizzle with yogurt, sprinkle with cilantro, and add onions if using.
🛎️ Serving Ideas:
- Pair with masala fries or a cucumber-mint salad.
- For a party platter, slice the subs into sliders and skewer with picks!
💡 Pro Tips:
- Want to go dairy-free? Sub the cream with coconut milk and skip the yogurt topping.
- You can also swap in chicken meatballs or plant-based ones for a twist.
Want a fun caption for sharing? Something like:
“When tikka masala and meatball subs fall in love 😍🔥🍛🥖 #FusionCravings #MessyEats #TikkaTwist”
Let me know if you want a video idea or image concept to match!
