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Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs

Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs for Cozy Nights

Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are a game day favorite that transform a classic recipe into something extraordinary with juicy meatballs and smoky sauce.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 subs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Panko recommended for lighter texture.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Can use nutritional yeast for dairy-free.
  • 1 large Egg Can use flaxseed meal + water as vegan alternative.
  • 1 small Chopped Onion Shallots can be used for milder flavor.
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced) Garlic powder can be substituted.
  • 1/4 cup Bourbon Replace with apple cider or vegetable broth for non-alcoholic.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup BBQ Sauce Homemade or low-sugar variant optional.
For the Assembly
  • 4 slices Crispy Bacon Turkey bacon can be used for lighter option.
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Pepper jack can be used for extra heat.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 4 rolls Sub Rolls Whole grain rolls are a nutritious option.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Vegetable oil can be used if needed.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Shape the mixture into 18-20 meatballs, each about 1 inch in diameter.
  4. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs for 5–7 minutes.
  5. Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet, keeping the drippings for the sauce.
  6. In the same skillet, pour in the bourbon and reduce for 2–3 minutes. Add BBQ sauce and simmer for another 3–4 minutes.
  7. Return the meatballs to the skillet and coat them in the sauce, cooking for an additional 2–3 minutes.
  8. Transfer the skillet contents to a prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  9. Slice sub rolls lengthwise and optionally toast them in the oven for 2–3 minutes.
  10. Fill each sub roll with meatballs and extra BBQ sauce, and sprinkle crumbled bacon and shredded cheese on top.
  11. Bake the assembled subs until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 3–5 minutes.
  12. Add optional toppings like pickles, lettuce, or tomatoes and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1subCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 1100mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 20mg

Notes

For best results, avoid overmixing the meatball mixture and check internal temperature.

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