Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes are a game-changer for any meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or even a cozy weekend treat, they bring the classic flavors of burgers into a delightful handheld form. The combination of juicy meatballs, sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, and crispy turkey bacon topped with melty cheese is sure to impress family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Flavor Packed: The sweet-smoky bourbon BBQ sauce elevates the taste of these meatball subs to another level.
• Versatile: Great for parties, game days, or casual family dinners—suitable for any occasion!
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love meatballs and cheese, making this dish a hit for the whole family.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or switch up the cheese to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, ensure you have the right tools on hand. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet
• Baking sheet
• Oven mitts
• Cooking spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: It provides enough space to combine all ingredients without making a mess.
• Skillet: Essential for browning the meatballs evenly, ensuring they develop a rich flavor before simmering in the sauce.
• Baking sheet: Ideal for toasting your sub rolls to perfection without overcrowding.
• Cooking spatula: Helps flip meatballs easily while preventing them from breaking apart during cooking.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Cooking

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce

For Serving

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 sub rolls
• 8 slices crispy Turkey Bacon

How to Make Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for toasting the sub rolls later in the process.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine:
* Ground beef
* Breadcrumbs
* Egg
* Garlic powder
* Onion powder
* Smoked paprika
* Salt
* Black pepper

Mix gently until just combined.

Step 3: Form Meatballs

Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should have approximately 16–20 meatballs.

Step 4: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer:
* Brown them on all sides for about 5–7 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage.

Step 5: Simmer in Sauce

Once browned, return all meatballs to the skillet:
* Pour bourbon BBQ sauce over them.
* Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Toast Sub Rolls

While meatballs simmer:
* Slice sub rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through.
* Place on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes until golden brown.

Step 7: Assemble Subs

Place 4–5 meatballs inside each toasted roll:
* Spoon extra bourbon BBQ sauce over them.

Step 8: Add Toppings

Top each sub with ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese and break two slices of crispy turkey bacon into pieces on top.

Step 9: Melt Cheese (Optional)

For extra-melty cheese:
Return assembled subs to oven for an additional 2–3 minutes until cheese is fully melted.

Step 10: Serve Immediately

Serve hot with additional bourbon BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs!

How to Serve Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

These delicious Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Extra Sauces

• Bourbon BBQ Sauce: Serve additional sauce on the side for dipping, enhancing the sweet and smoky flavors.
• Spicy Ketchup: Add a kick with spicy ketchup for those who enjoy a little heat.

Topped with Fresh Ingredients

• Sliced Avocado: Add creaminess with avocado slices, which complement the savory meatballs perfectly.
• Pickled Jalapeños: For an extra zing, sprinkle pickled jalapeños atop your subs.

Accompanied by Crunchy Sides

• Potato Chips: Serve with crunchy potato chips for a satisfying crunch.
• Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds a cool contrast to the warm meatballs and is easy to prepare.

How to Perfect Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

To make your Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh herbs and spices to enhance the flavor profile of your meatballs.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the meatball mixture before cooking; adjust salt and spices according to your preference.
• Choose Quality Cheese: Use a good quality cheddar cheese for melting; it will elevate the richness of each bite.
• Add Texture: Incorporate finely chopped onions or bell peppers into the meat mixture for added texture and flavor.
• Control Heat Level: If you prefer spicier subs, add some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes into the meatball mixture.

Best Side Dishes for Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

Pairing side dishes with your Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs can enhance the meal experience. Here are some fantastic options.

1. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy and slightly sweet, they provide a delightful contrast to the savory subs. Bake or fry them for an excellent side.
2. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is simple yet delicious; slather it with butter and a sprinkle of salt.
3. Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad offers a light and refreshing contrast, balancing out the rich flavors of the subs.
4. Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad adds comfort and is great for potlucks or family gatherings.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables bring color and nutrition to your plate while being easy to prepare.
6. Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans complement BBQ flavors perfectly, making them a classic side choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Incorrect meat mixture: Using too much or too little fat in your ground beef can affect the meatballs’ texture. Aim for an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juicy meatballs.
• Overmixing ingredients: Mixing the meatball mixture too vigorously can lead to tough texture. Mix gently until just combined to keep them tender.
• Skipping browning: Don’t skip the browning step! This enhances flavor and adds depth to your dish. Always brown the meatballs before simmering in BBQ sauce.
• Not using enough sauce: Ensure each meatball is well-coated in BBQ sauce during cooking. This adds flavor and moisture; adjust the amount as needed.
• Failing to toast rolls: Toasting your sub rolls enhances their flavor and texture. Don’t skip this step; it makes a big difference in your final dish.
• Skipping added toppings: Toppings like extra cheese or crispy Turkey Bacon elevate your subs. Be generous with these extras for maximum flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

• Wrap each assembled sub tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake wrapped subs for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm the subs covered with a lid for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for ground beef?

You can use ground turkey or chicken as healthy alternatives that maintain great flavor.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check that your BBQ sauce is gluten-free as well.

Can I make Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time, then assemble right before serving.

What sides pair well with these subs?

Consider serving with sweet potato fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

How long does it take to cook these meatball subs?

The total time is around 40 minutes, including prep and cooking time.

Can I customize my Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other toppings like jalapeños or different cheeses according to your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are packed with flavor and are sure to impress at any gathering. Their versatility allows you to customize them based on what you enjoy or have on hand. Try out different sauces or additional toppings to make this recipe uniquely yours!