Cheese-Stuffed Meatball Subs

Elevate your next sandwich night with this smoky, cheesy meatball sub piled high with homemade chimichurri and melted provolone. The perfect balance of bold, fresh, and comforting — and all infused with that signature Yoder smoke!


Recipe from @terri.harrigan on Instagram

Learn more about the Yoder Smokers YS640S


INGREDIENTS

MEATBALLS:
  • 1 lb ground beef (or 50/50 beef + pork blend)
  • Salt, pepper, and garlic powder (to taste)
  • 6–8 Babybel cheese rounds, halved or quartered for stuffing
  • Optional: 1 egg and breadcrumbs for binding
CHIMICHURRI:
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley
  • 2–3 red hot peppers (like Fresno or red jalapeño)
  • 2 green onions
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup avocado oil (or olive oil)
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Prep the Yoder: Set your Yoder YS640s to 225°F using peach wood pellets for a sweet, mild smoke.
  2. Make the Meatballs: Mix the ground meat with salt, pepper, and garlic. Form into golf ball–sized meatballs, stuffing each with a piece of Babybel cheese. Place on a wire rack or tray suitable for your smoker.
  3. Smoke the Meatballs: Place the meatballs on the Yoder and smoke at 225°F for about 90 minutes, or until the internal temp hits 160°F and the cheese is melted inside. You can crisp the outside slightly by turning the heat up to 275°F for the last 10–15 minutes if desired.
  4. Make the Chimichurri: Blend or finely chop all chimichurri ingredients until you reach a rustic, pourable consistency. Taste and adjust salt or vinegar as needed.
  5. Assemble the Subs: Lightly toast the sub rolls. Add a generous layer of provolone, then the hot meatballs, then a big spoonful of chimichurri on top. Optionally melt under a broiler or closed grill lid for 1–2 minutes.
  6. Serve: Enjoy hot, with napkins handy — this is a juicy, cheesy, flavor-packed sandwich.

Pro Tip:
Make extra chimichurri — it stores well in the fridge and is amazing on grilled steak, shrimp, or even eggs the next morning.