Description

These Sizzling Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs transform classic burger flavors into an irresistible handheld masterpiece. Juicy, perfectly seasoned meatballs are simmered in sweet-smoky bourbon BBQ sauce, then nestled in toasted sub rolls with melty cheddar cheese and crispy bacon for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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, 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 cheese is fully melted.
Serve immediately with additional bourbon BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

For juicier meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture.
If meatballs seem too wet, add breadcrumbs one tablespoon at a time. If too dry, add a tablespoon of milk.
Let meatballs develop a good sear before turning to help them hold together better.
Deglaze the pan with a tablespoon of bourbon before adding BBQ sauce for enhanced flavor.
The meatballs can be made ahead and frozen either raw or cooked for up to three months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop, Baking
Cuisine: American, Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sub
Calories: 745
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 1250mg
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 22g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 58g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs, Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs, BBQ Meatball Sandwich, Cheesy Meatball Subs, Bacon BBQ Subs