How do you make Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs, and what are the key ingredients?

To make these incredible subs, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, BBQ sauce, bourbon, garlic powder, salt, pepper, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. Mix gently, shape into 1-inch meatballs, and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. Serve in toasted sub rolls with additional BBQ sauce. The key ingredients that make this recipe special are quality ground beef, good BBQ sauce, bourbon for depth, crispy bacon for texture, and cheddar cheese for richness.

Can I make substitutions for ingredients in Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs, especially for the bourbon or bacon?

Absolutely! For bourbon substitutions, try beef broth with a splash of apple cider vinegar for similar depth, or use balsamic vinegar for complexity. Turkey bacon or even crispy pancetta can replace regular bacon while maintaining the smoky flavor profile. Vegetarians can use plant-based ground meat and coconut bacon or smoked paprika for that essential smoky element. The BBQ sauce and cheese can also be swapped for your preferred varieties.

How long does it take to prepare and cook Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs?

Total time is approximately 45 minutes. Preparation takes about 15 minutes including mixing ingredients and shaping meatballs. Baking requires 20-25 minutes at 375°F, plus 5 minutes for toasting the sub rolls. Allow an additional 5 minutes for assembly and final touches. This timing makes it perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something special but don't have hours to spend cooking.

Can Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs be made ahead of time or frozen for later?

Yes! These subs are excellent for meal prep. Shape the meatballs and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze them raw for up to 3 months. Cooked meatballs can be frozen for up to 2 months and reheated in the oven. For best results, assemble the subs fresh using reheated meatballs and newly toasted rolls. The meatballs can also be kept warm in a slow cooker with extra BBQ sauce for parties.

Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs: 5 Amazing Secrets

Name: Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs: The Ultimate Comfort Food Fusion
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (80/20) 1/2 cup breadcrumbs 1 large egg 1/4 cup BBQ sauce 2 tablespoons bourbon 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Salt and pepper to taste 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled 4 sub rolls Additional BBQ sauce for serving

Description

Ultimate comfort food fusion combining smoky BBQ, crispy bacon, tender beef meatballs, and melted cheese in toasted sub rolls with a sophisticated bourbon twist.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef (80/20) 1/2 cup breadcrumbs 1 large egg 1/4 cup BBQ sauce 2 tablespoons bourbon 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Salt and pepper to taste 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled 4 sub rolls Additional BBQ sauce for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, BBQ sauce, bourbon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon until evenly distributed throughout the mixture Shape the meat mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through While the meatballs are baking, slice the sub rolls in half and toast them in the oven Once the meatballs are done, assemble the subs by placing a few meatballs in each toasted sub roll Drizzle additional BBQ sauce on top of the meatballs Serve the Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs hot and enjoy

Notes

For best results, use 80/20 ground beef for optimal flavor and moisture Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender Cook bacon until crispy but not burned for best texture Meatballs can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months Serve immediately while cheese is melty and bread is crispy

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sub
Calories: 520
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 890mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 95mg