Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Recipe

Say hello to the ultimate comfort food mashup: Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs! Imagine all the crave-worthy flavors of a bacon cheeseburger, made even more irresistible with smoky bourbon BBQ sauce and turned into saucy meatballs, then tucked into a toasted sub roll. It’s weekend indulgence made weeknight-easy—and the cheesy, bacon-studded result never lasts long at my table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs is that they deliver so much bold flavor with just a handful of simple ingredients. Each one pulls plenty of weight, contributing juicy texture, smoky-sweet notes, and gooey, melty goodness.

• Ground beef (1 lb, 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio): Choose a slightly fattier blend for juicy, tender meatballs that don’t dry out.
• Breadcrumbs (1 cup): These help bind the meatballs while keeping them nice and soft inside.
• Egg (1): Acts as the binder so your meatballs hold together perfectly.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): For a quick boost of garlicky flavor without needing to peel and chop.
• Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds classic burger savoriness in every bite.
• Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives your meatballs irresistible smokiness that echoes the BBQ theme.
• Salt (½ teaspoon) and black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Simple, essential seasoning to wake up all the flavors.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For browning the meatballs, which adds lots of flavor and color.
• Bourbon BBQ sauce (1 cup): This is where the sweet, smoky, tangy magic happens! Pick a favorite store-bought brand or homemade if you’re feeling extra.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully over the hot meatballs, giving you that classic cheeseburger comfort.
• Sub rolls (4): The sturdy, fluffy vehicle for all this deliciousness. Toasting is highly recommended for crunch.
• Crispy bacon (8 slices): Salty, savory, and totally essential for the “bacon cheeseburger” moment.

Variations

There’s no need to stick to the script—these Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are almost endlessly adaptable! Don’t be shy about making them your own, whether you want to tailor to dietary preferences or just switch up the flavor profile.

• Make it spicy: Kick up the heat with a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce in your beef mixture, or use a spicy BBQ sauce.
• Go lighter: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef—a little less rich, but still big on flavor and juicy texture.
• Gluten-free friendly: Swap traditional breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep everyone at the table happy.
• Cheese switch: Swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack, gouda, or Swiss for a fun flavor twist.

How to Make Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

Start by combining your ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands or a fork to gently mix just until everything’s combined—you want to avoid compacting the mixture too much, which helps the meatballs stay wonderfully tender. Scoop and shape into 1.5-inch balls; you’ll get around 16 to 20 meatballs, depending on how hefty you make them.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer (working in batches if needed) and brown them on all sides, about 5–7 minutes total. This step adds lots of flavor and gives the outside a gorgeous golden crust, while locking in all those savory juices. Don’t worry about cooking them through yet—they’ll finish up in the sauce.

Step 3: Simmer in Bourbon BBQ Sauce

Once all your meatballs are browned, nestle them back into the skillet and pour the bourbon BBQ sauce over the top. Reduce the heat to low and let them simmer gently for 10 minutes. Stir now and then to coat everything evenly—your kitchen will smell amazing as the sauce bubbles and thickens, infusing the meatballs with all its smoky-sweet goodness.

Step 4: Toast the Rolls

While the meatballs are soaking up all that saucy flavor, prep your sub rolls. Slice them lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Toast in a 375°F oven for about 5 minutes, just until golden and slightly crisp—the perfect base for a hearty, saucy filling.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Subs

Fill each toasted sub roll with 4–5 meatballs and a generous spoonful of extra sauce. Sprinkle over the shredded cheddar and crown with two slices of crispy bacon, breaking into pieces to make layering easier. To get extra-gooey, melty cheese, pop the assembled subs back in the oven for 2–3 minutes—total cheeseburger bliss!

Step 6: Serve Hot (Don’t Forget Extra Sauce!)

Serve your Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs piping hot, with more bourbon BBQ sauce on the side for dunking. Each bite is smoky, saucy, cheesy, and packed with bacon—and trust me, napkins are a must.

How to Serve Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs

Garnishes

Add an extra pop of freshness and color with classic burger garnishes—think thinly sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, or even shredded iceberg for a little crunch. A sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives over the melted cheese also gives your Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs a finishing touch that looks as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Nothing pairs better than old-school sides like oven-crisp fries, potato wedges, or even a dill pickle spear. For a lighter meal, a zippy coleslaw or simple green salad balances out the richness of the subs without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving a crowd? Cut your Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs into 2-inch pieces and skewer each with a toothpick for the ultimate party platter. Or, set up a DIY sub bar—offer toppings like pickled jalapeños, fried onions, or extra sauces and let everyone build their own masterpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the meatballs (with sauce) and bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the rolls and toppings separate to prevent sogginess when reheating.

Freezing

The meatballs freeze beautifully! Let them cool, then freeze in their sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. (I recommend making fresh bacon for best results!)

Reheating

Gently warm the meatballs and sauce in a covered skillet over low heat, or microwave in short bursts until hot. Toast fresh rolls and add cheese and bacon just before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven experience.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re a fan of bold flavors and easy comfort food, you’ll absolutely want to make these Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs part of your regular rotation. One bite and you’ll see why my family is obsessed—they’re easy, wildly satisfying, and always the first thing gone at any gathering. Give them a try and get ready for rave reviews!

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