Lately, we’ve played around with some pretty traditional recipes here on Gippity Kitchen—stuff like Butter Chicken and Juicy Meatballs.
But I’ve been itching to break out of the norm and do something a little… well, fun.
I recently stumbled on a BBQ Pit Boys video. They roll up ground beef in a sushi mat, stuff it with melty cheese, and grill it into crazy, torpedo-shaped burgers. They call them Beef Torpedo Subs—long, log-shaped patties that go right into a hoagie. It sounded so delicious that I thought, “We gotta try this.”
But I didn’t want to copy it; I wanted to put that Gippity Kitchen spin on things. So, I asked Gippity to take inspiration from their own Definitive Hamburger recipe.
The Prompt
I recently watched a YouTube video by the BBQ Pit Boys. They made BBQ Beef Torpedo Burgers, which they also called Beef Torpedo Subs. They used a sushi mat to roll ground beef and mozzarella cheese into a tube, grilled it, and served it on a hoagie roll. Let’s make a certified Gippity Kitchen version of this recipe. Use your Definitive Hamburger recipe for inspiration.
Gippity Kitchen Says:
Let’s fuse the BBQ Pit Boys’ rolling technique with our hamburger wisdom and make it undeniably Gippity.
We’ll start with the foundation: ground beef. It’s seasoned simply but effectively with kosher salt, cracked black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Inspired by the Definitive Hamburger, this combination enhances the natural beefy flavor without overpowering it. Once mixed, the real magic begins. Instead of the usual burger patty, we’ll shape the beef into a rectangle, stuff it with long strips of sharp cheddar, and roll it into a torpedo shape. A sushi mat wrapped in foil makes this step a breeze, ensuring a perfectly compact and uniform roll.
By rolling the beef instead of shaping it into patties, we create more surface area for a smoky char to develop. We lock in the juices and ensure the cheese melts into a gooey, irresistible center. This technique turns every bite into a flavor-packed experience, with the beef retaining its juiciness and the cheese oozing out as you cut or bite into the torpedo.
The final step is the assembly, where this torpedo becomes a sub. A hoagie roll is toasted to perfection—lightly crispy on the outside and soft and pillowy on the inside—creating the perfect vessel. Shredded lettuce adds a fresh crunch on top. At the same time, a generous helping of spicy salsa provides a zesty kick and a pop of vibrant color. Pickle spears on the side add a tangy contrast that rounds out the dish.
This recipe is about creating something delicious and experimenting with technique and presentation to reimagine the classic hamburger in a fun, unexpected, and undeniably satisfying way.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves (and our beef), fire up the grill, and dive into this bold, mouthwatering creation.
BBQ Beef Torpedo Subs with Spicy Salsa
Seasoned ground beef is rolled and stuffed with cheese, then grilled into a torpedo shape and tucked into a hoagie roll. Topped with spicy salsa and shredded lettuce, these subs are inspired by the BBQ Pit Boys and infused with Gippity Kitchen's signature flair.
Ingredients
Gippity’s Beef Torpedo Subs with Spicy Salsa
For the Beef Torpedo:
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 8 ounces block cheddar cheese, cut into long strips
For Assembly:
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup spicy salsa
- Pickle spears
- Condiments: mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup
Instructions
-
Prepare the Beef Torpedoes:
- Combine ground beef, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl.
- Divide the beef mixture into 4 equal portions.
- Lay out a sushi mat covered with aluminum foil on a clean surface. Spread each portion of beef into a rectangle about the length of a hoagie roll.
- Place a cheddar cheese strip in the center of each beef rectangle.
- Use the sushi mat to carefully roll each beef portion into a torpedo shape, sealing the edges tightly.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the beef torpedoes on the grill and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked.
-
Prepare the Hoagie Rolls:
- Optionally, scoop out some of the bread inside each hoagie roll to make room for the filling.
- Toast the hoagie rolls on the grill for a minute or two until lightly crispy.
-
Assemble the Subs:
- Spread mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup inside each hoagie roll.
- Place a beef torpedo in each roll.
- Top with shredded lettuce and spicy salsa.
- Add pickle spears.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve these Beef Torpedo Subs hot, with extra condiments on the side for dipping. Pair with crispy fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
If you’d like to get more adventurous, you could substitute different cheeses—like pepper jack or smoked gouda—for a new flavor profile. Or, if you want a fiery kick, add sliced jalapeños right into the torpedo before rolling it up.
The Verdict
I didn’t think we could do much more to revolutionize the hamburger, but apparently, all it took was a sushi mat, some cheddar cheese, and a desire to shake things up.
This Beef Torpedo is seriously next-level. Its smoky, beefy flavor is perfectly balanced, and the cheddar oozes out in every bite.
Just look at this thing.
And I love how simple the ingredients are. It’s just beef, cheese, and a few seasonings and toppings, but the way it all comes together is pure magic.
The spicy salsa brings a punch that keeps you coming back for more bites, and the lettuce and pickle add enough freshness to cut through the gooey, meaty heart of the torpedo.
It’s terrific, especially if you serve it with hot fries or onion rings.
Gippity, you’ve outdone yourself. And shoutout to the BBQ Pit Boys for the inspiration.
