There’s something magical about the combination of bourbon, BBQ sauce, and crispy bacon that transforms an ordinary meal into a flavor-packed adventure. Imagine biting into a warm, cheesy meatball sub bursting with sweet and smoky goodness—this is exactly what you’ll experience with 30 Minutes Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs. Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole Trust me; your taste buds are in for a treat!
Now, picture this: it’s game day, and you’ve just whipped up these mouthwatering subs. The crowd goes wild—not only for the game but also for your culinary genius. Friends are begging for the recipe while you bask in the glory of your delicious creation. This dish is perfect for gatherings, cozy family dinners, or simply when you need to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This easy-to-make dish combines rich flavors with minimal prep time, making it a weeknight winner. Each bite is a visual delight with layers of cheese, bacon, and meatballs peeking out. The versatility allows you to swap ingredients based on what you have at home. It’s ideal for parties or casual meals when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying.[/info_box]
I still remember the first time I made these subs—my friends couldn’t stop raving about how they were the best thing I’d ever created in my kitchen!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef: Opt for lean beef to keep it juicy without excess fat. Shredded Beef Tacos.
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Bacon: Crispy bacon adds that smoky crunch that elevates the entire sandwich.
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Bourbon BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite brand; the bourbon enhances its sweetness and depth.
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Shredded Cheese: I recommend mozzarella or cheddar for that melty goodness.
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Sub Rolls: Look for soft rolls that can hold all the delicious fillings without falling apart.
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Onion Powder and Garlic Powder: These spices add essential flavor to your meatballs. For more inspiration, check out this brown butter garlic mashed potatoes recipe.
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Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out all the other flavors beautifully.
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Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish; it adds a touch of color and fresh flavor!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later on.
Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
Add Bacon: Chop cooked bacon into small pieces and fold them gently into the meat mixture. The aroma will hint at how delicious these will be!
Form the Meatballs: Using your hands (yes, you can get messy!), form small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on your prepared baking sheet with space between each one.
Bake Them Up: Bake in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until they’re browned and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell heavenly at this point!
Add BBQ Sauce: Remove the meatballs from the oven and brush generously with bourbon BBQ sauce. Big Mac Wraps with Special Sauce Return them to bake for an additional 5 minutes—trust me; this step is crucial!
Assemble Your Subs: Slice open sub rolls and place several meatballs inside each one. Top generously with shredded cheese before placing under the broiler until bubbly.
Serve immediately to enjoy warm subs dripping with flavor! Don’t forget to sprinkle fresh parsley on top for that Instagram-worthy finish.
Now that you’ve successfully created these mouthwatering 30 Minutes Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs, prepare yourself for some serious compliments! Enjoy every bite as you revel in your culinary triumph—your taste buds will thank you! For more inspiration, check out this tater tot casserole recipe.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] These 30 Minutes Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs bring together smoky flavors, juicy meatballs, and crispy bacon. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, these subs will impress your family and friends with minimal effort. The aroma alone will have everyone hungry! [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the meatballs in a hot skillet until browned, then simmer them in bourbon BBQ sauce while toasting the bread. This ensures rich flavor and perfectly cooked meatballs.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Doritos Chicken Tenders Add spicy jalapeños or extra cheese to personalize your subs.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover meatball subs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Use fresh herbs to elevate flavors; they can transform your dish from ordinary to extraordinary. For extra crunch, add pickles or coleslaw on top of your subs. Always let the meatballs rest before serving; it helps retain moisture and flavor. [/info_box]
There was a time when I accidentally set off the smoke alarm while experimenting with these meatball subs. Let’s just say my friends still tease me about how I “smoked” them out of my kitchen!
FAQ
Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just adjust cooking times as needed for even heating.
What should I serve with these meatball subs?
Fries, chips, or a fresh salad make great companions for these delicious subs!
How can I make these meatball subs healthier?
Consider using whole-grain bread and leaner ground meat options to reduce calories.
30 Minutes Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
30 Minutes Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs offer an explosion of flavor, combining the rich notes of bourbon BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, and cheesy goodness into one unforgettable sandwich. Perfect for game days or casual family dinners, these delectable subs are quick to prepare and will have your guests begging for the recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean)
- 4 slices bacon (cooked and chopped)
- 1/2 cup bourbon BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 soft sub rolls
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Fold in chopped bacon gently.
- Form small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place on the baking sheet with space between them.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
- Brush meatballs generously with bourbon BBQ sauce and return to oven for an additional 5 minutes.
- Slice sub rolls open, place several meatballs inside each roll, top with shredded cheese, and broil until bubbly.
- Serve immediately with fresh parsley as garnish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sub (approx. 240g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
