There’s something magical about the combination of bourbon and bacon that can turn an ordinary day into a culinary adventure. Picture this: succulent meatballs, infused with smoky bacon flavor, nestled in soft, toasted subs, all drizzled with a sweet and tangy bourbon BBQ sauce. It’s a party in your mouth, and trust me, you’ll want an invitation to this feast. For more inspiration, check out this Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I make 30 Minutes Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs ahead of time?
- What’s the best way to keep my meatballs juicy?
- Can I use different sauces for my subs?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now imagine gathering your friends around for game night or a casual weekend get-together when you unveil these 30 Minutes Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs. creamy smoked mac and cheese The room fills with laughter and delight as you serve these savory delights. Each bite bursts with flavor, leaving everyone craving more.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] These Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Their smoky sweetness pairs perfectly with gooey cheese, making them visually appealing on any table. Ideal for gatherings or cozy nights in, they are sure to impress everyone! [/info_box]
My family still raves about the first time I made these subs; they were gone before I could even grab a second!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for the best flavor without too much grease; 80% lean works perfectly.
Cooked Bacon: Crisp it up beforehand for that smoky crunch; pre-packaged bacon works in a pinch.
Bourbon BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought sauce or make your own for added flair.
Cheese Slices: Go for good ol’ American cheese for that melty goodness; it’s classic and always a hit.
Sub Rolls: Opt for soft hoagie rolls that can cradle those juicy meatballs without falling apart.
Onion Powder: This adds depth to your meatballs; don’t skip it!
Garlic Powder: A must-have for flavor; fresh garlic works too if you’re feeling fancy.
Pepper and Salt: Simple seasoning that elevates all the ingredients to their full potential.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. slow cooker taco recipe. chicken avocado burrito.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked bacon (chopped finely), onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined but avoid overmixing.
Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Aim for uniformity so they cook evenly; about 12-15 should do.
Sear the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Cook meatballs until browned on all sides—around 8 minutes—until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
Add the Bourbon BBQ Sauce: Pour bourbon BBQ sauce over the browned meatballs in the skillet. Gently toss them to coat well while letting the sauce bubble away for about 5 minutes.
Melt the Cheese: Place slices of cheese on top of the meatballs in the skillet. Philly steak skillet dish Cover with a lid and allow it to melt beautifully—just another minute will do!
These steps will lead you straight to meaty bliss! Your kitchen will smell heavenly, and your taste buds are about to embark on an unforgettable joyride.
Don’t forget to invite friends—or be prepared to fight off any hungry family members! Enjoy every mouthwatering moment of these Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs!
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] The 30 Minutes Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are a flavor explosion! The smoky barbecue sauce pairs perfectly with crispy bacon, making your taste buds dance. Just think of it as a party in your mouth that you won’t want to leave. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the meatballs while you prepare the subs. This keeps flavors bright and ensures everything is ready at once.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the bacon for turkey or veggie bacon for a lighter option. This versatility makes it fun!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Use lean ground beef for moist meatballs and avoid excess grease. Cooking them under broil creates a perfect crust! Don’t skip toasting your buns; it adds delightful crunch and prevents sogginess. [/info_box]
I still remember the first time I made these meatball subs for game night. My friends devoured them, and I felt like a culinary rock star!
FAQ
Can I make 30 Minutes Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs ahead of time?
For more inspiration, check out this Smoked Mac and Cheese recipe.
Yes, you can prepare meatballs and sauce ahead, then assemble when ready to serve.
What’s the best way to keep my meatballs juicy?
Using breadcrumbs and milk in your mixture helps retain moisture during cooking.
Can I use different sauces for my subs?
Absolutely! Try using teriyaki or spicy sriracha for a unique twist on flavors.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
30 Minutes Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
30 Minutes Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs deliver a mouthwatering experience, combining the smoky richness of bacon and the sweet tang of bourbon BBQ sauce in every bite. Perfect for game nights or casual gatherings, these delectable meatball subs are quick to prepare and will leave your guests craving more. Serve them with gooey cheese on soft hoagie rolls for an unforgettable treat that turns any ordinary day into a culinary celebration.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (80% lean)
- 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 soft hoagie rolls
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped bacon, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into uniform golf ball-sized meatballs (about 12-15).
- Heat a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil and sear meatballs until browned on all sides (approximately 8 minutes), ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Pour bourbon BBQ sauce over the browned meatballs, tossing to coat. Allow to bubble gently for about 5 minutes.
- Place cheese slices atop meatballs in the skillet and cover to melt (about 1 minute).
- Assemble subs by filling each hoagie roll with two or three meatballs, topped with melted cheese and extra BBQ sauce if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sub (195g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
