Description
These Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs combine juicy ground beef meatballs infused with smoky bacon and a blend of spices, baked to perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Drenched in a rich bourbon BBQ sauce and served on toasted sub rolls with optional fresh toppings, these hearty subs deliver a flavorful twist on classic comfort food, perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 1/2 cup bourbon BBQ sauce
Assembly
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 sub rolls
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, pickles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for meatball baking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, cooked and crumbled bacon, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the meat mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, approximately 12 in total, and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through and browned on the outside.
- Warm Sauce: While the meatballs bake, gently warm the bourbon BBQ sauce in a small saucepan over low heat to bring out its flavors and keep it ready for assembly.
- Add Cheese: When meatballs are cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each meatball, then return to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts nicely.
- Toast Rolls: Lightly toast the sub rolls under a broiler or in a toaster to add a crisp texture and warmth to the bread.
- Assemble Subs: Place three cheese-topped meatballs into each toasted sub roll. Drizzle generously with the warmed bourbon BBQ sauce for a rich and tangy flavor boost.
- Add Toppings: Finish by adding optional fresh toppings such as lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles to taste, enhancing the sandwich with crispness and acidity.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, use smoked bacon.
- Adjust the amount of bourbon BBQ sauce according to your taste preference for sweetness and tanginess.
- Ensure meatballs are cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
- Store leftover meatballs and sauce separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
