Buffalo Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe

Grilled buffalo turkey meatballs topped with blue cheese dressing and a hit of buffalo sauce create the ultimate meatball sub. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, these sandwiches are ideal for weeknight dinners, backyard barbecues, or game day gatherings.

These Buffalo Turkey Meatball Subs combine lean ground turkey with crisp vegetables and bold buffalo flavors for a sandwich that’s both satisfying and saucy. The turkey meatballs are seasoned, grilled to a tender finish, and finished with extra buffalo sauce and creamy blue cheese dressing for a classic contrast of heat and cool. They make great leftovers for lunch or a flavorful option for entertaining.

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ pounds ground turkey
• ¼ cup celery, chopped
• ¼ cup carrots, chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (fresh or dried)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• ½ cup buffalo sauce, divided
• 6 hot dog buns or sub rolls
• ½ cup blue cheese dressing (or ranch dressing, if preferred)

Step by step instructions

1. Preheat the grill. Set the grill to medium heat so it’s ready when the meatballs are formed.
2. Combine turkey and vegetables. In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey with the chopped celery, chopped carrots and minced garlic until evenly distributed.
3. Season and bind. Add the chili powder, paprika, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg and ¼ cup of the buffalo sauce. Mix gently until everything is combined—avoid overworking the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
4. Form the meatballs. Shape the mixture into 12 equal-sized meatballs for even cooking.
5. Grill the meatballs. Place the meatballs on the preheated grill. Cook for about 8–10 minutes, then carefully flip and grill an additional 8–10 minutes, until cooked through and nicely browned on the outside.
6. Toast the buns. About 3 minutes before the meatballs are done, place the hot dog buns on the grill cut-side down to lightly toast.
7. Assemble the subs. Remove meatballs and buns from the grill. Place two meatballs on each bun.
8. Finish with sauce and dressing. Drizzle the assembled sandwiches with the remaining buffalo sauce and a generous amount of blue cheese dressing. Serve immediately while warm.

What to serve with them

These buffalo turkey meatball subs pair well with a variety of sides. Choose any of the following for a complete meal:

• Grilled zucchini or other seasonal vegetables
• Red, white and blue cheese potato salad or a buffalo-style potato salad
• Crispy baked sweet potato fries or regular fries
• Easy broccoli salad or a simple green salad for freshness
• For a game day spread, include chips, dips, jalapeño poppers and other finger foods.

More meatball recipes to try

If you enjoy these buffalo turkey meatball subs, consider exploring other meatball variations for new flavor profiles:

• 5-Ingredient Italian Meatball Soup
• Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Meatballs
• Orange-Glazed Chinese Meatballs
• One-Pot German Meatballs and Potatoes
• Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatball Wellington
• Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Meatballs

Tips, variations and storage

• Substitute ranch dressing for blue cheese if you prefer a milder, creamier topping.
• For a spicier kick, use extra buffalo sauce when mixing the meat or drizzle more on top when serving.
• To make ahead: form the meatballs and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before grilling, or freeze uncooked meatballs for longer storage.
• Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop until warmed through.
• When preparing for a crowd, double the recipe and keep warm in a low oven or insulated pan until ready to serve.