Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs Juicy meatballs smothered in smoky bourbon BBQ sauce, loaded into toasted hoagie rolls with melted cheese and crispy bacon. Pure comfort in every bite! Total time: 45 minutes Yield: Serves 4. So, if you’re looking for something that hits the spot on a busy weeknight but still feels like a treat, you’ve come to the right place. Honestly, who doesn’t love the idea of sinking your teeth into a sub piled high with meatballs, gooey cheese, and the smoky sweetness of bourbon BBQ sauce? It’s like a warm hug in sandwich form.

Let me tell you, when I first ventured into the world of meatball subs, I had no idea what I was doing. I remember trying to impress a few friends with my “culinary skills” (ha!), and things went spectacularly wrong. I ended up with a gooey mess that resembled more of a porridge than a meatball sub. Spoiler alert: it didn’t go over well. But, after a few trial and error attempts, I finally cracked the code. Now, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs because, let’s face it, we all deserve a win in the kitchen.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to whip up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s practical, budget-friendly, and, most importantly, packed with flavor. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some healthy options if you use lean ground beef and load up on veggies. So, whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this recipe has got you covered.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You can have these subs ready in just 45 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of bourbon BBQ sauce and smoky turkey bacon creates a taste sensation.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or even a plant-based option if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Kid-Friendly: These meatball subs are a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a great family meal.
• Comfort Food: Who doesn’t love a hearty sandwich that feels indulgent without breaking the bank?

So, really, the only skill you need is the ability to mix ingredients and bake. If I can do it, I know you can too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb ground beef: The star of the show, providing that juicy, meaty goodness.
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs together and keep them tender.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, umami kick to the meatballs.
• 1 egg: Essential for binding the meatball mixture.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: A flavor enhancer that gives a subtle sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This gives the meatballs a smoky flavor that complements the BBQ sauce.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: For seasoning.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just a touch for some warmth.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the meatballs; it adds flavor and helps them brown nicely.
• 1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce: Feel free to use store-bought or make your own if you’re feeling inspired!
• 4 hoagie rolls: The perfect vessel for all that meaty goodness.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese: Because melted cheese is always a good idea.
• 6 slices cooked turkey bacon, chopped: Adds a crispy, smoky element to the subs.

You can swap the ground beef for turkey or even a meat alternative if that’s your thing. And if you don’t have bourbon BBQ sauce, a regular BBQ sauce will work just fine. I promise, this recipe is forgiving!

Let’s Get Started

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier later on. Trust me; you’ll thank yourself for this small step.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands (yes, it’s messy but totally worth it!) to mix until just combined. You want to be careful not to overmix; otherwise, your meatballs could end up tough. Form the mixture into 12 meatballs. They don’t have to be perfect; it’s all about flavor here!

Step 3: Sear the Meatballs

In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and sear them on all sides until browned, about 5 minutes. The smell is divine! Once browned, carefully transfer the meatballs to the prepared baking sheet and bake in the oven for 12–15 minutes, or until fully cooked.

Step 4: Warm the Bourbon BBQ Sauce

In a saucepan, warm the bourbon BBQ sauce over medium heat. You want it hot but not boiling. Once heated through, add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and toss them to coat. This is where the magic happens—those meatballs soak up all that smoky goodness.

Assembling Your Subs

Step 5: Prepare the Hoagie Rolls

While the meatballs are soaking up that delicious sauce, split the hoagie rolls and lightly toast them in the oven for a few minutes. This step adds an extra crunch and helps hold everything together.

Step 6: Fill the Rolls

Once the rolls are toasted, place 3 meatballs inside each roll, making sure to get some of that tasty BBQ sauce in there too. It’s all about balance!

Step 7: Top with Cheese and Bacon

Now, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the meatballs and add the chopped turkey bacon. Place the loaded subs under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them—things can go from perfect to burnt in a heartbeat!

Step 8: Final Touches

Drizzle additional bourbon BBQ sauce over the subs before serving. You can never have too much BBQ sauce, right?

Tips for the Best Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs

• Use a leaner ground beef (like 80/20) for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
• If you find yourself short on breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or oats can work in a pinch.
• Don’t skip the searing step! It adds a depth of flavor that you won’t get if you just bake them.
• Feel free to add some sautéed onions or peppers to the subs for extra flavor and nutrients.
• If you have leftovers, these meatballs can also be used in pasta dishes or on top of a salad for a healthy meal.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), store the meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend keeping the rolls separate to maintain their texture. You can reheat the meatballs in the microwave or a skillet, and toast fresh rolls if you prefer. If you’re living alone or with roommates, this makes for great next-day lunches; just remember to share!

Frequently Asked Questions About Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great, and you can even try plant-based ground meat if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.

Is it okay to make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when you’re ready to bake them.

What can I serve with these subs?

These meatball subs are perfect on their own, but serve them with a side of sweet potato fries or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Can I freeze the meatballs?

Definitely! Freeze the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. Just bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What if I don’t have bourbon BBQ sauce?

No worries! Regular BBQ sauce works just fine. You can even add a splash of bourbon or apple cider vinegar to enhance the flavor.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs that are as satisfying as they are simple to make. Honestly, the combination of those juicy meatballs, melted cheese, and crispy bacon is something I could eat every week. Whether you’re having a cozy night in or hosting friends for game day, these subs will surely impress. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Happy cooking, and remember, it’s all about making delicious memories in the kitchen!

Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs

This delicious bourbon bbq meatball subs is a fantastic dish that's sure to impress. Made with ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, and 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, it combines great flavors and textures for a memorable meal.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 4 hoagie rolls
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 6 slices cooked turkey bacon, chopped

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until just mixed. Form the mixture into 12 meatballs.
• Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the meatballs on all sides until they are browned, which will take about 5 minutes. Transfer the meatballs to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until they are fully cooked.
• In a saucepan, warm the bourbon BBQ sauce. Once heated, add the cooked meatballs and toss them to coat thoroughly.
• Split the hoagie rolls and lightly toast them. Place 3 meatballs inside each roll.
• Top the meatballs with shredded cheese and the chopped turkey bacon. Place the subs under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until the cheese is melted.
• Drizzle additional bourbon BBQ sauce over the subs before serving.