Imagine sinking your teeth into a decadent Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Sub, where savory meatballs are drenched in a smoky bourbon barbecue sauce, topped with crispy bacon and melted cheese. Each bite bursts with flavor, creating an explosion of taste that dances on your taste buds, making it hard to stop at just one.
This dish is perfect for family gatherings, game nights, or any occasion when you want to impress friends and family. The combination of rich flavors and hearty ingredients creates a comforting experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate. perfect BBQ side dish Get ready for an amazing flavor journey that will leave you craving more!
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] These Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are incredibly easy to prepare and can be whipped up in just 30 minutes. The flavor profile is a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory goodness. They look absolutely mouthwatering when served, making them ideal for entertaining guests. Plus, they’re versatile enough to be enjoyed as a casual dinner or party snack. [/info_box]
The first time I made these meatball subs, my friends couldn’t believe how quickly they disappeared—everyone was going back for seconds (and thirds)!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: delicious brunch addition.
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for juicy meatballs without excess grease; about two pounds should do the trick. For more inspiration, check out this slow cooker cowboy casserole recipe.
Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor; its smokiness complements the bourbon BBQ sauce perfectly.
BBQ Sauce: A good quality bourbon-infused BBQ sauce is essential; it adds depth and sweetness that elevate the dish.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind your meatballs together; consider using panko for extra crunchiness.
Shredded Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar or pepper jack to add a melty kick; it brings everything together beautifully.
Onion and Garlic: Freshly minced onion and garlic enhance the meatball flavor profile; don’t skimp on these aromatics.
Italian Seasoning: This blend adds warmth and earthiness; feel free to adjust based on personal taste preferences.
Sub Rolls: A soft but sturdy roll is essential for holding all that deliciousness; hoagie rolls work great!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. For more inspiration, check out this ultimate hamburger casserole recipe recipe.
Let’s Make it together
Create the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare the meatball mixture. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
Add Bacon Delightfully: Chop half of the bacon into small pieces and fold it into the meatball mixture gently. The crispy bits will bring fantastic smokiness to each bite!
Shape Those Meatballs!: Use your hands to form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper—this helps with cleanup later.
Bake to Perfection!: Bake those glorious meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when they smell irresistible!
Generously Sauce It Up!: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine baked meatballs with bourbon BBQ sauce until coated thoroughly—let them simmer for five minutes so all flavors meld beautifully.
Assemble Your Subs!: Slice your sub rolls open and place several saucy meatballs inside each roll. Top generously with shredded cheese and remaining chopped bacon before placing them under the broiler just until everything melts gloriously together.
Enjoy every savory bite of these Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs! They are sure to become a family favorite in no time!
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] This 30 Minutes Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs recipe is perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal. The smoky aroma and juicy meatballs will make your taste buds dance. It’s a crowd-pleaser that adds fun to any gathering or game night. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while you mix the meatball ingredients. Form the meatballs, then bake them as you prepare the sauce. This sequence ensures everything is hot and ready at once!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Add some chopped jalapeños for an extra kick or use different cheeses to personalize your subs. satisfying cheesesteak option.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through, ensuring those meatballs stay juicy.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] To make your meatballs extra tender, avoid overmixing the ingredients. Use a cookie scoop for uniform size; this helps them cook evenly. For added flavor, let your meat mixture sit for 15 minutes before forming meatballs; it makes a difference! [/info_box]
Cooking these 30 Minutes Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs always brings back memories of my friends raving about their flavors during game nights—priceless moments indeed! quick 30-minute meal.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought sauce will save you time and still taste delicious.
What can I serve with these subs?
These subs pair perfectly with crispy fries or a fresh salad.
How do I know when the meatballs are done?
Use a meat thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are a delightful fusion of flavors, featuring juicy meatballs smothered in smoky bourbon BBQ sauce, topped with crispy bacon and gooey cheese. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, these subs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone craving more. Whip them up in just 30 minutes for an unforgettable meal!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon (divided)
- 1 cup bourbon-infused BBQ sauce
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 sub rolls
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until mixed.
- Chop half of the bacon into small pieces and fold it into the meatball mixture.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
- In a skillet over medium heat, combine baked meatballs with BBQ sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Slice sub rolls open and fill them with meatballs. Top with shredded cheese and remaining chopped bacon; broil until melted.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sub (250g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Add jalapeños for an extra kick or experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste.
