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If you love bold, flavor-packed sandwiches that bring together the best aspects of a burger and barbecue, you are in for a treat with this Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Recipe. Imagine juicy, perfectly seasoned meatballs simmered in a rich bourbon BBQ sauce, nestled inside toasted sub rolls, then topped with melty cheddar and crispy bacon—each bite bursting with smoky, savory goodness. This recipe brings a fun twist to classic comfort food, turning ordinary ingredients into a meal that feels like a celebration. Once you try these subs, they’ll quickly become your go-to for weeknight dinners or game-day gatherings.

Two sandwiches on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture in the background, each made with a soft, shiny golden-brown bun base and top, split open to hold the fillings. Inside each bun are five brown, round meatballs lined side by side, topped with melted yellow cheese that drips slightly between the meatballs. Small bits of orange-red cooked onions and herbs are scattered over the cheese, adding texture and color contrast. The sandwiches look juicy, with a light glaze reflecting on the meatballs and toppings, giving a fresh and appetizing look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but pack a powerful punch together. Each element plays a vital role in creating those lush textures and balanced flavors that make this dish unforgettable.

1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio): Provides the perfect fat content for juicy, flavorful meatballs that hold together well.
1 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs while keeping them tender.
1 egg: Acts as a natural binder, ensuring your meatballs stay intact and moist.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Brings sweetness and aroma to the meat mixture.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a smoky warmth that complements the BBQ sauce.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the meatballs and sauce.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat and complexity.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for browning meatballs to develop a delicious crust.
1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce: The star sauce—rich, tangy, and slightly sweet with that unmistakable bourbon kick.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully over the meatballs, providing creamy, sharp contrast.
4 sub rolls: Toasted until golden, these provide the perfect sturdy base for your hearty subs.
8 slices crispy bacon: Adds irresistible crunch and smoky flavor that ties everything together.

How to Make Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Meatball Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for toasting your subs later. In a large bowl, gently mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. The trick is to combine everything without overworking the meat, so your meatballs stay tender and juicy.

Step 2: Shape and Brown the Meatballs

Form the mixture into roughly 1.5-inch meatballs, which should give you about 16 to 20 pieces. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and carefully add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brown them on all sides—this creates that irresistible crust that locks in flavor. Don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked through yet; they’ll finish cooking later.

Step 3: Simmer Meatballs in Bourbon BBQ Sauce

Once all the meatballs are browned, add them back to the skillet and pour the bourbon BBQ sauce over them. Reduce the heat to low and let them simmer for 10 minutes, stirring gently now and then. This not only finishes cooking the meatballs but also allows them to soak up that rich, smoky sauce.

Step 4: Toast the Sub Rolls

While the meatballs are simmering, slice your sub rolls lengthwise, but don’t cut all the way through so they hold together. Place them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 5 minutes until they turn a lovely golden brown with a slight crunch—this step is key for adding texture and ensuring your subs don’t get soggy.

Step 5: Assemble and Melt the Cheese

Fill each toasted roll with 4 or 5 meatballs, spooning spoonfuls of the luscious bourbon BBQ sauce on top for extra flavor. Next, sprinkle each sub with a generous ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and top with two slices of crispy bacon, either whole or broken into pieces. For an ooey-gooey finish, pop the assembled subs back into the oven for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts perfectly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs immediately, ideally with some extra bourbon BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. This recipe shines brightest when shared fresh and hot, capturing every delicious element in each bite of these decadent subs.

How to Serve Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Recipe

Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Feel free to top your subs with fresh garnishes like crisp lettuce, sliced pickles, or even a few rings of red onion to add a cool crunch and slight tang. A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or chives can bring a little color and brightness, balancing the richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

These hearty subs pair beautifully with classic comfort sides. Think crunchy sweet potato fries, a refreshing coleslaw to cut through the richness, or even a simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. Each side adds contrast and rounds out the meal effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting a party or want to impress guests, serve these subs family-style on a large wooden board lined with parchment paper. Offer small ramekins of extra bourbon BBQ sauce and perhaps some homemade pickles or jalapeño slices to customize each bite. This interactive setup makes the meal fun and sociable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover meatballs and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the toasted sub rolls separate to prevent sogginess, and assemble just before serving again.

Freezing

To freeze, place cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Freeze the bacon and cheese separately, and thaw everything in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and assembling.

Reheating

Reheat the meatballs and sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to heat through evenly. Toast the sub rolls again briefly in the oven, then assemble and melt the cheese as described. This method restores the delicious fresh-baked experience.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well but may be leaner, so consider adding a bit more olive oil or a small amount of finely chopped bacon for extra moisture and flavor.

What kind of bourbon BBQ sauce is best?

Look for a sauce that has a nice balance of sweetness, smoky undertones, and a hint of bourbon flavor—not too overpowering but enough to add character. Homemade or high-quality store brands both work great.

Can I make these subs vegetarian?

While this recipe is built around beef meatballs, you can try substituting with plant-based meat alternatives or hearty mushroom and bean meatballs paired with a vegetarian BBQ sauce to keep that soulful flavor.

How spicy is this recipe?

It has a mild smoky warmth thanks to the smoked paprika and black pepper, but it is not very spicy. You can always add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce if you like it hotter.

Can I prepare meatballs in advance?

Yes! You can mix and shape your meatballs a day ahead, store them in the fridge, and cook them when ready. This can save you time on busy days or when hosting guests.

Final Thoughts

This Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines hearty, comforting flavors with the fun of a sandwich everyone will rave about. Whether it’s a family dinner or a game-day treat, these subs bring joy to the table with every savory bite. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

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Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Recipe