Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes
Why Make This Recipe
If you’re looking for a unique twist on the classic meatball sub, Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are the perfect choice. This dish combines the beloved flavors of a cheeseburger with the comforting essence of a meatball sub, all while being drenched in a rich and smoky bourbon BBQ sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, these meatball subs are not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. Perfect for family dinners, game days, or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table.
How to Make Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 sub rolls
- 8 slices crispy bacon
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter (approximately 16-20 meatballs).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer, working in batches if necessary.
- Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5-7 minutes total. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage.
- Once all meatballs are browned, return them all to the skillet. Pour the bourbon BBQ sauce over the meatballs, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes, occasionally stirring gently.
- While the meatballs simmer, slice your sub rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Place them on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 5 minutes until golden brown.
- Place 4-5 meatballs inside each toasted roll, spooning extra sauce over them.
- Top each sub with ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese and 2 slices of crispy bacon, broken into pieces if desired.
- For extra-melty cheese, return the assembled subs to the oven for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve immediately with additional bourbon BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
How to Serve Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
These meatball subs are best served hot and fresh out of the oven. Pair them with a side of crispy fries, a fresh garden salad, or some crunchy coleslaw for a complete meal that balances the richness of the subs. For a fun twist, consider serving them with a variety of dipping sauces to enhance the experience — perhaps a spicy ketchup or creamy ranch dressing.
How to Store Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The meatball subs can be kept for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave for a quicker option. If storing the meatballs and rolls separately, it’s best to keep them apart to maintain the textures.
Tips to Make Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
- Do Not Overmix: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix just until everything is combined to keep the meatballs tender.
- Customize the Heat: Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meatball mixture if you enjoy a bit of spice.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheeses, such as pepper jack or gouda, for unique flavors.
Variation
To give this dish a different flair, you can try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. This will lighten up the recipe while still providing great flavor. Additionally, substituting the bourbon BBQ sauce with a spicy or honey BBQ sauce can add a new layer of taste to the dish.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just brown and simmer them in the sauce when you’re ready to serve.
2. What can I use instead of sub rolls?
If sub rolls aren’t available, you can use slider buns or even lettuce leaves for a low-carb alternative.
3. Can I freeze the meatballs?
Absolutely! Cooked meatballs can be frozen after cooling. Store them in an airtight container and they will last for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
Ingredients
For the meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs.
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For frying the meatballs.
- 1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 pieces sub rolls
- 8 slices crispy bacon
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter (approximately 16-20 meatballs).
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer, working in batches if necessary.
- Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5-7 minutes total. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage.
- Once all meatballs are browned, return them all to the skillet. Pour the bourbon BBQ sauce over the meatballs, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes, occasionally stirring gently.
- While the meatballs simmer, slice your sub rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Place them on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 5 minutes until golden brown.
Assembly
- Place 4-5 meatballs inside each toasted roll, spooning extra sauce over them.
- Top each sub with ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese and 2 slices of crispy bacon, broken into pieces if desired.
- For extra-melty cheese, return the assembled subs to the oven for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted.
Serving
- Serve immediately with additional bourbon BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
