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Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs

Juicy meatballs. Smoky BBQ sauce. Crispy bacon. Melty cheese. These indulgent Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are the ultimate comfort food mashup that brings together the bold flavors of a cheeseburger in a satisfying, saucy sandwich.

Whether you’re hosting a game-day gathering, meal-prepping for the week, or just treating yourself to something delicious, this recipe is easy to make, customizable, and sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Flavor-packed: Smoky BBQ, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon make every bite irresistible.
  • Easy to prep ahead: Meatballs freeze well, so you can make them in advance.
  • Flexible: Swap the bread for lettuce wraps or roasted veggies for a low-carb twist.
  • Family favorite: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love.

Ingredients

Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 25 min | Total Time: 40 min

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reduce from 1 cup)
  • 4 sub rolls
  • 8 slices crispy bacon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
  2. Mix meatball ingredients in a large bowl: ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Form meatballs (1.5 inches wide). You should get 16–20.
  4. Brown meatballs in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat, turning to sear all sides (5–7 minutes total). Don’t cook through yet.
  5. Simmer in sauce: Add all meatballs back to the skillet (if working in batches), pour in the bourbon BBQ sauce, and simmer on low for 10 minutes, stirring gently.
  6. Toast rolls: While meatballs simmer, slice sub rolls lengthwise (not all the way through). Place on a baking sheet and toast for 5 minutes.
  7. Assemble subs: Add 4–5 meatballs to each roll. Spoon on extra sauce. Top with shredded cheddar and 2 slices of crispy bacon per sandwich.
  8. Melt cheese: Return subs to the oven for 2–3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and melted.
  9. Serve warm, with extra bourbon BBQ sauce for dipping.

Tips for Success

  • Use sharp cheddar: You can use less cheese while keeping bold flavor.
  • Avoid overmixing: Handle the meat mixture lightly to keep meatballs tender.
  • Adjust consistency: Add a tablespoon of milk if the mixture feels too dry, or extra breadcrumbs if it’s too wet.
  • Deglaze for flavor: Add a splash of bourbon to the skillet before the sauce to capture flavorful browned bits.
  • Don’t skip toasting: Toasted rolls hold up better and add great texture.

Healthier & Low-Carb Options

  • Cheese swap: Use half the cheese with a sharp variety to save calories without sacrificing flavor.
  • Low-carb: Serve meatballs and sauce over roasted vegetables or in lettuce cups instead of rolls.

FAQ

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can freeze the meatballs raw or fully cooked. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

What if I don’t have bourbon BBQ sauce?
Mix 1 cup BBQ sauce with 1–2 tbsp bourbon. Simmer for 5 minutes to cook off alcohol and blend flavors.

How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and sub rolls—or serve in lettuce wraps for a gluten-free, low-carb version.

Can I use ground turkey?
Absolutely! Just add a tablespoon of olive oil for moisture and increase the seasoning a bit for flavor.

More Recipes You’ll Love

  • Chicken Ricotta Meatballs – Light, juicy, and packed with protein.
  • Creamy Meatballs with Bacon – Rich, indulgent, and full of flavor.
  • Chicken Piccata Meatballs – A lemony, bright twist on a classic dish.

Final Thoughts

These Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are comfort food done right. Whether you’re serving them up at a party or enjoying them on a cozy night in, they deliver big flavors with minimal effort.

Loaded with melty cheese, smoky bacon, and a sweet-tangy bourbon BBQ glaze, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation. Make them once, and they’ll become a family favorite!