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Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 59 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs combine juicy, flavorful beef meatballs simmered in a rich bourbon BBQ sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy bacon, all nestled inside toasted sub rolls. Ready in just 30 minutes, they make for a hearty and indulgent meal perfect for any burger lover craving a twist on the classic cheeseburger.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 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

Sauce and Toppings

  • 1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 sub rolls
  • 8 slices crispy bacon

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get ready for toasting the sub rolls and melting the cheese later.
  2. Mix Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to ensure tender meatballs.
  3. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into approximately 16 to 20 meatballs, each about 1.5 inches in diameter for consistent cooking.
  4. Brown Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes; they don’t need to be fully cooked at this point.
  5. Simmer in Sauce: Return all browned meatballs to the skillet. Pour bourbon BBQ sauce over them, reduce heat to low, and let simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to coat evenly and finish cooking.
  6. Toast Rolls: While meatballs simmer, slice the sub rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Place them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5 minutes until golden and crisp.
  7. Assemble Subs: Place 4-5 meatballs inside each toasted sub roll. Spoon extra bourbon BBQ sauce over the meatballs for flavor and moisture.
  8. Add Cheese and Bacon: Top each sub with ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese and 2 slices of crispy bacon, broken into pieces if preferred.
  9. Melt Cheese: Return the assembled subs to the oven for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and gooey.
  10. Serve: Serve immediately with additional bourbon BBQ sauce on the side for dipping and extra flavor.

Notes

  • Using 80/20 ground beef ensures juicy, flavorful meatballs with the right fat content.
  • You can substitute bourbon BBQ sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce if unavailable.
  • Browning the meatballs before simmering locks in flavor and helps maintain texture.
  • To save time, prepare bacon slices in advance until crispy.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the meatball mixture or BBQ sauce.

Find it online: https://yumrecipesfood.com/bourbon-bbq-bacon-cheeseburger-meatball-subs-recipe/