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BBQ Meatball Subs with Spinach Mayo – Perfect for Budget Meals

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As much as I cook (and pretty much live at the grocery store), sometimes it’s nice to have some simple dinners that I can count on that don’t require a lot of ingredients – in other words – budget friendly meals. As you all know, I would love to be a full time blogger, but I’m an registered nurse and we need the benefits (and money). We have two teenagers; one about to go to college and one in high school.

At the same time, I’m not a big fan of boring or plain. I need variety and spice in my foodie life! Although I love to spend forever in the kitchen playing and prepping (yes, I love chopping; it’s therapeutic for me), sometimes after a long day of work I need something a little easier.

I made this entire meal for under $20.00. I find myself going to the grocery store literally almost daily because I have a husband and two teenagers that have appetites that cannot be reigned in. I got my ingredients at Wal-Mart, which made it very possible, which included Kraft Ranch Dressing (it was $1.98!). Most of us experience how tight it is financially around the 1st and 15th of every month, and having delicious but inexpensive meals in the dinner rotation helps.

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These are my BBQ Ranch Meatball Subs. I added an unexpected element; spinach mayo. I know you’re wondering if this is good or not – but let me just tell you – it works! The bread with the spinach mayo alone was luscious. I probably ate an entire roll using it as a dip while making these. Couldn’t help it.

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My husband and I are always complaining about how much food costs. Our grocery bill is absolutely ridiculous. I know we have two teenagers, but still – it’s insane!! This little project was eye opening – We spent under $20.00 and got an entire dinner for all of us.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground round
  • 1 tsp salt
    1 tsp pepper
  • 1 cup and 2 tbsp Kraft Mayo, divided
  • 1/2 cup and 1 tbsp Kraft Barbecue Sauce, divided
  • 1 10 oz. package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
  • 1/2 cup Kraft Ranch Dressing
  • 2 tbsp canola oil
  • 6 slices Kraft Natural Provolone Cheese Slice
  • 1 package sub rolls
  • Fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  • For the meatballs, mix the ground round, 2 tbsp of mayo, 1 tbsp of BBQ sauce, salt and pepper in a bowl thoroughly. Roll into golf ball size meatballs, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • To make the spinach mayo; combine the spinach and 1 cup of mayo, cover and refrigerate.
  • Now for the BBQ Ranch, combine the ranch dressing and 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, cover and refrigerate.
  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  • Heat the oil over medium-high heat and add the meatballs. Brown for 2-3 minutes on each side.
  • Reduce heat to medium and cover. Cook until done; about 7-10 minutes.
  • Spread each sub roll (both sides) with spinach mayo and bake for 4-5 minutes, until a little bubbly. Remove and cover with foil to keep them warm.
  • When meatballs are done, turn the heat off and place cheese slices over meatballs. Cover until melted.
  • To assemble, place meatballs on the bottom of sub rolls using a spatula and drizzle with Ranch BBQ sauce.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.


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