There are some meals that just grab you by the taste buds and don’t let go. These Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are exactly that kind of meal. Imagine juicy, seasoned beef meatballs, infused with all the classic cheeseburger flavors, then smothered in a sticky-sweet bourbon BBQ sauce, topped with crispy bacon and melted cheese, all tucked into a toasted sub roll. It’s a mashup of everything you love about a good burger and a hearty meatball sub, taken to an entirely new level. Perfect for a casual dinner, a game day feast, or any time you’re craving serious comfort food, these subs are guaranteed to be a hit.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a big fan of taking classic dishes and giving them an exciting twist, and this recipe does just that. What’s not to love about combining the universally adored flavors of a cheeseburger with the satisfying heartiness of a meatball sub? It’s genius! I love how these Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are packed with so much flavor in every single bite. The meatballs are perfectly seasoned, the bourbon BBQ sauce adds a complex sweetness and tang, and the crispy bacon and gooey melted cheese truly seal the deal. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a hungry crowd without a lot of fuss. It’s a recipe that never fails to get rave reviews and disappear fast!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to assemble these epic subs:
For the Meatballs:
- 1.5 lbs lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (or 1 tbsp onion powder)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Bourbon BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp bourbon (optional, but highly recommended for flavor!)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
For Assembly:
- 6 sub rolls (hoagie rolls or hero bread)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar-jack blend)
- 8-10 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
- Optional toppings: sliced pickles, red onion, jalapeños
Swaps and Notes
This recipe is very flexible, so feel free to make it your own!
- Ground Beef: You can use ground turkey or a mix of ground beef and pork for the meatballs if you prefer. Just be mindful that leaner meats might need a bit more moisture.
- Breadcrumbs: Gluten-free breadcrumbs work perfectly here, or you can even use crushed crackers as a binder.
- Onion: If you’re not a fan of chopping, onion powder is a great substitute.
- Bourbon: The bourbon in the BBQ sauce adds a fantastic depth of flavor. If you prefer to omit alcohol, simply leave it out or add a splash of apple juice for a touch of sweetness. The sauce will still be delicious!
- Cheese: While cheddar is classic, Monterey Jack, provolone, or even a spicy pepper jack would be fantastic choices for melting over these subs.
- Sub Rolls: Any good quality sub roll will work. Toasting them is key for structure and extra flavor.
List of Steps for the Recipe
Let’s get cooking!
- Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion (or onion powder), egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
- Form and Cook Meatballs: Roll the mixture into approximately 1.5-inch meatballs. You should get about 20-24 meatballs. You can pan-fry them in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes), or bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Drain any excess grease.
- Prepare Bourbon BBQ Sauce: While the meatballs cook, combine the BBQ sauce, bourbon (if using), apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and smoked paprika in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, and let it cook for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the bourbon to cook off (if using).
- Coat the Meatballs: Once the meatballs are cooked, add them directly to the saucepan with the bourbon BBQ sauce. Toss gently to ensure all the meatballs are thoroughly coated. Reduce heat to low and keep warm while you prep the rolls.
- Prep and Toast Rolls: Preheat your oven broiler to low. Slice the sub rolls lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Place the rolls cut-side up on a baking sheet. You can lightly butter them or brush with a little olive oil for extra crispness, then broil for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted. Watch them carefully to prevent burning!
- Assemble the Subs: Spoon a generous amount of bourbon BBQ bacon cheeseburger meatballs into each toasted sub roll.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Sprinkle a good amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the meatballs in each roll. Then, scatter the cooked and crumbled bacon over the cheese.
- Melt the Cheese: Return the assembled subs to the baking sheet and place them back under the broiler for 1-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted. Again, keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Serve Hot: Carefully remove from the oven. Add any desired optional toppings like pickles or red onion. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix Meatballs: Overmixing the ground beef can make the meatballs tough. Mix just until combined.
- Cook Bacon Crispy: For the best texture, make sure your bacon is nice and crispy before crumbling it. This adds a fantastic crunch to the subs.
- Toast the Rolls: Don’t skip this step! Toasting the sub rolls not only adds flavor but also helps them hold up to the juicy meatballs and sauce.
- Watch the Broiler: Broilers can be intense! Keep a very close eye on your subs when melting the cheese to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are a meal in themselves, but they pair wonderfully with a few simple sides:
- Classic Sides: A side of crispy French fries, onion rings, or a creamy coleslaw would be perfect.
- Chips & Dip: For a super easy side, serve with your favorite potato chips. Or elevate it with something like This Crockpot Nacho Dip is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers for an extra cheesy kick.
- Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would cut through the richness of the subs.
- Beverages: A cold soda, a root beer, or even a crisp lager would be excellent choices to wash down these hearty subs.
Storage and Leftover Tips
While these subs are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. The cooked meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The bourbon BBQ sauce can also be made in advance and kept in the fridge for up to a week.
If you have assembled leftovers, they can be tightly wrapped and refrigerated for up to 2 days. To reheat, it’s best to place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is re-melted. The bread might lose some crispness, but the flavors will still be delicious.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed these flavorful subs, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other recipes that are perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or just indulging in some serious comfort food:
- For another incredible cheesy, meaty dish, try This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
- If you love cheesy dips, you absolutely have to make How I Turned a Classic Sandwich Into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip.
- And for an easy way to feed a group, these These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast are a total game-changer.
Final Thoughts
These Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are more than just a meal; they’re an experience. They bring together beloved flavors in a fun, hearty, and utterly delicious package that’s sure to satisfy even the biggest appetites. Whether it’s a casual weeknight, a weekend gathering, or a game day celebration, these subs are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
I hope you give this recipe a try and love it as much as I do! Let me know in the comments below if you made any fun modifications or how your family enjoyed them. Don’t forget to follow ChefManiac.com for more exciting recipes and culinary adventures!
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