Name: Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Magic in Minutes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground Beef (Use 80/20 for juiciness); 1 cup Breadcrumbs (Can swap with crushed crackers); 1 large Egg (Acts as a binder); to taste Seasonings (e.g., garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper); 1 cup Bourbon BBQ Sauce (Store-bought or homemade); 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (Use sharp or smoked cheddar); 6 slices Bacon (Opt for thick-cut, cooked crispy); 4 each Sub Rolls (Italian or French rolls, toasted)

As I was flipping through old cookbooks, I stumbled onto a recipe that sparked a craving for something truly indulgent: Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs. Imagine plump, juicy meatballs swimming in a smoky, sweet bourbon BBQ sauce, nestled in a crispy sub roll, and topped with crispy bacon and melted cheese. This dish packs comfort food satisfaction into a quick 30-minute meal, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings. And the best part? You can easily adapt these subs to suit your taste; whether you want a spicy kick or a vegetarian twist, the possibilities are endless. Ready to take your taste buds on a flavor journey? Let’s dive in and whip up these delightful sandwiches together!

Why Are These Meatball Subs So Irresistible?

Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes required, you can have these Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs ready for an impromptu dinner or game day feast.

Flavorful Fusion: Combining classic cheeseburger elements with smoky bourbon BBQ sauce creates a taste explosion that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Adaptable Options: Feeling adventurous? Easily customize these subs to suit your cravings, whether you prefer spicy, Hawaiian, or even vegetarian variations!

Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for family gatherings or casual parties, these subs are sure to impress your guests and satisfy their hunger. For another winning recipe, check out our Bacon Ranch Chicken for a deliciously easy meal!

Texture Contrast: The crispy bacon paired with gooey melted cheese and soft toasted rolls brings together delightful textures in every bite.

Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Ingredients

Get ready to savor the flavors of these delicious Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs!

For the Meatballs

Ground Beef – Use 80/20 for the juiciest meatballs; 85/15 is also a good option.
Breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meatballs; can be swapped with crushed crackers.
Egg – Acts as a binder to keep everything together.
Seasonings – Add your favorites like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for a flavor boost.

For the Sauce

Bourbon BBQ Sauce – This is the star of the dish, bringing a sweet and smoky flavor that elevates the meatballs. Use store-bought or homemade, but if you’re short on bourbon, a mix of regular BBQ sauce and liquid smoke works!

For the Toppings

Cheddar Cheese – Use sharp cheddar for that classic cheeseburger taste; smoked cheddar brings an extra layer of flavor.
Bacon – Opt for thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy for that perfect crunch.

For the Subs

Sub Rolls – Choose Italian or French rolls for the best texture; toasting is essential to hold up against the sauce!

These Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball ingredients are sure to create a mouthwatering experience that will delight your family and friends!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs

Step 1: Prep the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, an egg, and your favorite seasonings like garlic and onion powder. Mix gently with your hands until just blended, ensuring you don’t overwork the meat for tender meatballs. Let this mixture rest for about 10 minutes while you gather your other ingredients.

Step 2: Form Meatballs
Once rested, shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs, being careful to keep them uniform in size. This helps ensure they cook evenly. Place the formed meatballs on a parchment-lined baking tray or plate while you heat up the skillet for cooking.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and let it get hot, about 2 minutes. Carefully add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until they develop a nice golden crust, which will enhance the flavor of the Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs.

Step 4: Add Bourbon and Sauce
Once the meatballs are browned, carefully deglaze the skillet by adding a splash of bourbon, scraping up any brown bits. Then, pour in your bourbon BBQ sauce, stirring to coat the meatballs evenly. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 6-8 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and absorb the delicious flavors.

Step 5: Toast the Sub Rolls
While the meatballs are simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the sub rolls in half and arrange them on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re golden and crisp. This step prevents the rolls from becoming soggy when you add the meatballs and sauce.

Step 6: Assemble the Subs
Once the rolls are toasted, remove them from the oven. Place several meatballs on the bottom half of each sub roll, using a slotted spoon to avoid excess sauce. Top the meatballs generously with shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon pieces to elevate your Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs even further.

Step 7: Melt the Cheese
For an added touch, return the assembled subs to the oven and broil for about 1-2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. When the cheese is perfectly melted, take the subs out, and prepare to serve these indulgent bites!

Step 8: Serve Hot
Finally, serve your Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs warm, perhaps with a side of crispy coleslaw or sweet potato fries for a complete meal. Enjoy these satisfying, messy, and oh-so-delicious subs with family and friends for a delightful culinary experience!

How to Store and Freeze Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs

Fridge: Store leftover meatball subs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results, ensuring the cheese remains melty.

Freezer: Freeze assembled but unbaked subs wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Meatball Storage: Cooked meatballs can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat subs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Consider covering them with foil to prevent cheese from browning too much while they heat up.

What to Serve with Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs

Transform your Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs into a complete and satisfying meal with these delicious pairings!

Crispy Coleslaw: A refreshing side that adds crunch and balances the rich flavors of the subs with its cool, zesty dressing.
Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these fries bring a delightful sweetness that complements the savory meatball flavors perfectly.
Garlic Butter Breadsticks: Soft and buttery, these breadsticks provide a satisfying texture alongside the meatball subs, making every bite indulgent and delightful.
Fresh Green Salad: A vibrant mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed lightly enhances the meal’s overall freshness while offering a crisp contrast to the hearty subs.
Pineapple Chunks: Juicy and sweet, pineapple adds a tropical flair that harmonizes beautifully with the smoky BBQ sauce and bacon in the subs.
Sparkling Lemonade: The effervescence and bright citrus notes of sparkling lemonade bring a refreshing lift to your meal, perfectly offsetting the richness of the subs.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: Classic, warm, and gooey, these cookies make for the ideal sweet ending to your hearty meal, bringing nostalgia and comfort to the table.

Make Ahead Options

These Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are ideal for meal prep, saving you precious time on busy weeknights! You can prepare the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings, shape them into meatballs, and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. Additionally, you can cook the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring they remain juicy and flavorful. Just reheat them gently in the BBQ sauce on the stovetop before assembling. When it’s time to serve, toast your rolls and melt the cheese for a warm, comforting meal that’s just as delicious as when freshly made!

Expert Tips for Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs

Gentle Mixing: Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to keep them tender and juicy. Just mix until combined for the best results.
Even Size Matters: Form uniform 1.5-inch meatballs to ensure even cooking—this helps in achieving perfectly cooked Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs.
Batch Browning: Cook meatballs in batches to create a sear without steaming; this ensures flavorful crusts that enhance the overall taste.
Deglazing Magic: Don’t skip deglazing with bourbon; those browned bits in the skillet add extra depth to the sauce, making each bite more delicious.
Toasty Rolls: Be sure to toast your sub rolls properly; this keeps them from becoming soggy and adds a delightful crunch to your Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs.
Cheese Melting Tip: Broil the assembled subs for a minute or two to melt the cheese perfectly—keep a watchful eye to prevent burning!

Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Variations

Get ready to unleash your creativity in the kitchen by customizing these delightful subs to your unique taste!

Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños to the meatball mixture for a fiery hit! The warmth will create a savory contrast against the sweet BBQ sauce.
Mushroom-Swiss Bliss: Swap cheddar for Swiss cheese and add sautéed mushrooms, creating a rich, earthy flavor. This variation elevates the original into an elegant yet comforting dish.
Tropical Hawaiian: Fold in finely chopped pineapple into the meatball mixture and top with grilled pineapple slices. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the smoky BBQ sauce beautifully.
Vegetarian Delight: Use plant-based ground beef and bacon alternatives for a hearty vegetarian version. Just ensure your BBQ sauce is free from animal products to keep it plant-based friendly.
BBQ Chicken Twist: Substitute the beef with shredded cooked chicken and mix with the sauce for a lighter take. The chicken will soak up the bourbon BBQ flavor wonderfully.
Italian Infusion: Mix in Italian seasoning and swap the sub rolls for garlic bread. The unmistakable Italian flavors add a whole new dimension to your meatball subs!
Cheeseburger Style: Stack American cheese and sliced pickles inside the subs for a classic cheeseburger experience. Plus, don’t forget about a drizzle of mustard for that authentic taste!

As you explore these variations, remember to serve alongside sides like our delicious Bbq Chicken Salad or crispy coleslaw for a well-rounded meal. Each variation delights the senses and makes mealtime an exciting adventure!

Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Recipe FAQs

What kind of ground beef should I use for the meatballs?
Absolutely! For the juiciest meatballs, I recommend using ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio. This ensures that your meatballs are flavorful and tender. However, if you’re looking for a slightly leaner option, 85/15 ground beef works well too.

How should I store leftover meatball subs?
To keep your Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs delicious for longer, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to ensure the cheese stays melty and the rolls regain their crispy texture.

Can I freeze the meatballs, and how should I do that?
Yes! You can absolutely freeze the cooked meatballs. To freeze them, place cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag and enjoy them within 3 months. To cook, you can bake them directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What should I do if my meatballs are falling apart?
Very common, don’t worry! If your meatballs are falling apart, they might need a little more binder. Try adding an extra egg or a bit more breadcrumbs to the mixture. Additionally, make sure not to overmix the meat; gentle mixing helps keep them intact while cooking. If you’re cooking them and find they’re still falling apart, try lowering the heat and cooking them more slowly in sauce, which will help them hold together.

Can I make these subs gluten-free or vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make these Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your BBQ sauce is also gluten-free. For a vegetarian option, swap the ground beef for plant-based ground beef and replace the bacon with a plant-based bacon alternative. Just make sure the BBQ sauce contains no animal products. Enjoy all the flavors without compromising your dietary needs!

How long should I let the meatball mixture rest before cooking?
Letting the meatball mixture rest for about 10 minutes is highly beneficial. This resting period allows the breadcrumbs to soak up some moisture and the flavors to meld together. It also makes the handling a bit easier when you’re ready to form the meatballs, leading to a better texture in the final product.