Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Recipe

Contents show

1 Ingredients

2 Instructions

3 Notes

4 Helpful Tips

5 Conservation and Storage

6 Variations

7 Serving Suggestions

8 Frequently Asked Questions

9 Conclusion

9.1 More Relevant Recipes

10 Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Recipe

10.1 Description

10.2 Ingredients

10.3 Instructions

10.4 Equipment

10.5 Notes

10.6 Nutrition

10.7 Did you make this recipe?

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These Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are everything you love about a backyard burger juicy beef, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and smoky BBQ flavor—rolled into tender meatballs and tucked into a soft sub roll. Perfect for game day, casual dinners, or whenever you’re craving a comfort food twist with a bold kick.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup bourbon BBQ sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 4 sub rolls
• Salt and pepper, to taste

this RECIPE

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, egg, 1/4 cup bourbon BBQ sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix just until combined—don’t overwork the meat.
3. Roll mixture into meatballs (about 1½-inch size) and place on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and slightly browned.
5. While meatballs cook, warm the sub rolls and drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce inside each.
6. Stuff each roll with 3–4 meatballs, sprinkle crumbled bacon on top, and add an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce if desired.
7. Optional: Pop the assembled subs under the broiler for 2–3 minutes to get the rolls toasty and the cheese bubbling.
8. Serve hot and devour!

Notes

• Swap cheddar for pepper jack or smoked gouda for a different flavor twist.
• Add pickled onions or jalapeños for extra zing.
• You can make the meatballs ahead and reheat before assembling subs—great for meal prep or parties!

Helpful Tips

• Don’t overmix the meatball mixture. Gently combine the ingredients just until everything comes together. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense or tough.
• Use an ice cream scoop or tablespoon to portion your meatballs evenly. This helps them cook at the same rate and gives you that perfect, uniform bite every time.
• Add moisture if needed. If the mixture feels a bit dry, a splash of milk or a tablespoon of BBQ sauce can help keep the meatballs juicy and tender.
• Cook bacon ahead of time. Save time by cooking your bacon in advance—either in the oven or a skillet—then crumble it right before assembling your subs.
• Want extra flavor? Try brushing the meatballs with more BBQ sauce halfway through baking for a sweet, smoky glaze.
• Toasted rolls = extra goodness. Lightly toasting the sub rolls enhances texture and flavor, plus it helps hold up against the juicy meatballs and sauce.
• Add melty cheese on top. For an ultra-indulgent version, place a slice of cheddar or provolone over the meatballs before broiling the assembled subs for a melty finish.
• Make it a meal. Serve these subs with fries, coleslaw, or a crisp salad to round out the plate.
• Meal prep friendly. You can make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them. Reheat in the oven or stovetop with a splash of BBQ sauce for quick weeknight dinners.
• Customize the spice level. Like it hotter? Add a pinch of cayenne to the meat mixture or top the subs with pickled jalapeños or spicy BBQ sauce.

Conservation and Storage

• Refrigeration: Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to let them cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
• Freezing Meatballs: These meatballs freeze beautifully! After baking, allow them to cool, then transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about 1 hour (this keeps them from sticking together). Once frozen, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat refrigerated or frozen meatballs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also simmer them gently in a little BBQ sauce on the stovetop for a quick warm-up.
• Avoid microwaving rolls: If you’ve already assembled the subs, reheating them in the oven or air fryer is best. Microwaving tends to make the bread soggy.
• Storing Assembled Subs: Assembled subs are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil and store in the fridge for up to 1 day. Reheat in the oven to crisp the bread again.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prep the meatball mixture a day ahead and store it, covered, in the fridge. Roll and bake the meatballs fresh when you’re ready to serve.
• BBQ Sauce Storage: Store extra BBQ sauce in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks—perfect for drizzling on future sandwiches or grilled meats.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Love heat? Add a finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture. You can also use a spicy bourbon BBQ sauce or top the finished subs with sliced pickled jalapeños for extra fire.
• Cheese Swap: Try different cheeses for fun flavor twists. Pepper jack adds spice, smoked gouda gives a rich, savory note, and mozzarella melts beautifully for a gooey, stretchy bite.
• Bacon Upgrade: Use thick-cut applewood smoked bacon for bold flavor, or try maple-glazed bacon for a sweet and savory combo that pairs perfectly with the BBQ sauce.
• Mini Sliders: Instead of subs, make mini meatball sliders using dinner rolls. Perfect for party platters, game day, or kid-friendly portions.
• Sweet & Tangy BBQ Twist: Swap bourbon BBQ sauce for a honey BBQ or Carolina-style vinegar BBQ sauce for a lighter, tangier flavor profile.
• Stuffed Meatballs: Want to level it up? Place a small cube of cheese in the center of each meatball before baking for a molten cheese surprise in every bite.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the rolls and serve the meatballs over a bed of greens or roasted vegetables with a drizzle of BBQ sauce.
• Turkey or Chicken Swap: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version still juicy, still delicious.
• Add Toppings: Get creative with extras like crispy fried onions, dill pickles, coleslaw, or sautéed mushrooms for added texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are bold, hearty, and packed with flavor—so they pair perfectly with sides that balance out the richness or add a fun twist to your meal.

• Classic Fries: You can’t go wrong with crispy French fries or seasoned potato wedges. Try sweet potato fries for a touch of sweetness that complements the smoky BBQ sauce.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy, creamy slaw adds a cool contrast to the warm, saucy meatballs. Go traditional or try a tangy vinegar-based slaw for a lighter bite.
• Pickles & Chips: Add a crunchy side of dill pickles and kettle-cooked chips for an easy, satisfying combo that brings salty, crisp texture to the plate.
• Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette helps lighten things up and keeps the meal feeling balanced. A side of tomato and cucumber salad with fresh herbs is also a refreshing choice.
• Mac & Cheese: Craving extra comfort? Serve your subs alongside a bowl of creamy mac and cheese for the ultimate indulgent dinner.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled or oven-roasted corn brushed with butter and sprinkled with smoked paprika or parmesan is a fantastic seasonal side.
• Beverage Pairings: Wash it down with a chilled beer, spiked lemonade, or a glass of iced tea. For a fun family-friendly option, try a fizzy root beer or cherry cola.
• Party Platter Idea: Serve smaller subs or slider versions on a tray with dipping bowls of extra BBQ sauce and toppings like crispy onions, jalapeños, or shredded lettuce for a DIY sandwich bar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatball mixture up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. You can also fully cook the meatballs and reheat them when you’re ready to assemble the subs.

Can I freeze the cooked meatballs?
Definitely. Once cooled, freeze the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or simmer in BBQ sauce before serving.

What type of BBQ sauce works best?
A smoky bourbon BBQ sauce adds a rich, bold flavor—but feel free to use your favorite brand or flavor. Sweet, spicy, or tangy varieties all work great with the bacon and cheese combo.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken is a great leaner option. Just be sure to watch the cooking time, as they may cook slightly faster than beef.

What cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar gives a nice sharpness, but you can swap in mozzarella, provolone, pepper jack, or even smoked gouda depending on your flavor preference.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and serve the meatballs on gluten-free rolls. Also, double-check your BBQ sauce label to ensure it’s gluten-free.

How do I keep the rolls from getting soggy?
Toasting the rolls slightly before assembling helps prevent sogginess and gives a nice texture contrast.

Conclusion

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food with a bold, smoky twist, these Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are sure to hit the spot. Juicy, cheesy meatballs smothered in rich bourbon BBQ sauce, topped with crispy bacon, and nestled in a warm sub roll—it’s a flavor-packed handheld that’s guaranteed to impress.

Whether you’re making them for a laid-back weekend dinner, a casual get-together, or even a game day spread, these subs bring the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and smoky goodness. They’re easy enough for a weeknight, but hearty and indulgent enough to make any meal feel special.

Plus, with so many ways to customize—different cheeses, spice levels, or even switching up the protein—you can truly make this recipe your own. Serve them with crispy fries, a zesty slaw, or a simple salad, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing plate that’ll disappear fast.

And don’t forget—these meatballs are freezer-friendly, meal prep-approved, and perfect for scaling up if you’re feeding a group. So whether you’re making a batch for now or stashing some away for later, this recipe’s got you covered.

In short, these meatball subs are everything you love about a classic bacon cheeseburger with a little extra saucy magic. So fire up the oven, grab your favorite BBQ sauce, and get ready to sink your teeth into a sub that’s equal parts messy, meaty, and totally mouthwatering.

More Relevant Recipes

If you loved these Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs, you’ll definitely want to check out these other crave-worthy dishes:

• Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs – The ultimate handheld comfort food with bold smoky BBQ flavor, melty cheese, and crispy bacon in every bite.

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