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Delicious Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs served on fresh bread

Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Subs

These Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Subs are rich, smoky, and kid-approved, perfect for serving a crowd.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 subs
Course: Dinner, Game Day, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatballs
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio) Juicier meatballs
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs Can substitute with crushed crackers or panko
  • 1 large egg Binder for meatballs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Or use fresh garlic for bigger flavor
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Substitute chipotle for heat if desired
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For browning meatballs
  • 1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce
Toppings and Bread
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Use sharp cheddar for melting
  • 4 pieces sub rolls Toast briefly for crunch
  • 8 slices crispy bacon Adds texture and salt

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; mix gently without overworking the meat.
  3. Form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs; you should get about 16–20 pieces.
Cooking
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides in batches.
  2. After browning, return all meatballs to the skillet and pour the bourbon BBQ sauce over them; reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. While the meatballs simmer, slice each sub roll lengthwise and place them on a baking sheet; toast in the oven for 5 minutes.
  4. Fill each toasted roll with 4–5 meatballs, spoon extra bourbon BBQ sauce over them, and sprinkle with ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese per sub.
  5. Add two slices of crispy bacon on each sub, and return to the oven for 2–3 minutes so the cheese melts.
Serving
  1. Serve immediately with additional bourbon BBQ sauce for dipping.

Notes

Time-saver: Keep browned meatballs warm in a low oven. Common mistake: Overmixing makes dense meatballs—mix just until combined. For a sandwich twist, check cream cheese bacon ranch chicken sandwiches.