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Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Subs

Hearty subs loaded with juicy bourbon BBQ meatballs, melted cheddar, and crispy bacon, perfect for a flavorful and comforting meal ready in about an hour.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 subs
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Sandwiches
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for browning meatballs
  • 1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce
For Assembly
  • 4 sub rolls sub rolls sliced lengthwise, hinge kept
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded, about ¼ cup per sub
  • 8 slices bacon crispy

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Large Skillet
  • Oven
  • baking sheet

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to toast the rolls and melt the cheese later.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
  3. Step 3: Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs, about 16 to 20 pieces.
  4. Step 4: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides in batches without crowding the pan. They do not need to be cooked through yet.
  5. Step 5: Return all browned meatballs to the skillet. Pour bourbon BBQ sauce over them, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to coat evenly and finish cooking.
  6. Step 6: Slice the sub rolls lengthwise, keeping a hinge. Place on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5 minutes until golden and crisp.
  7. Step 7: Fill each toasted roll with 4 to 5 meatballs. Spoon extra bourbon BBQ sauce over the top, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, and lay two slices of crispy bacon on each.
  8. Step 8: Return the assembled subs to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
  9. Step 9: Serve immediately, optionally with extra bourbon BBQ sauce for dipping.

Notes

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or try spicy BBQ sauce for heat. Use different cheeses like pepper jack or smoked gouda for variety. Add veggies such as caramelized onions or pickled jalapeños for extra flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 days.