Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are a fun and flavorful twist on your classic burger night. These meatballs are packed with juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
Tip: save now, make later.
Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are a fun and flavorful twist on your classic burger night. These meatballs are packed with juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a splash of bourbon BBQ sauce that brings just the right amount of tangy sweetness. Nestled inside a soft sub roll, they make a hearty and delicious sandwich you’ll want to make again and again.
I love making these because they bring together the best parts of a cheeseburger and a meatball sub all in one bite. The smoky bacon and gooey cheese melt beautifully over the meatballs, while the bourbon BBQ sauce adds a special kick that really sets this apart from any ordinary sandwich. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whenever I serve it at gatherings or casual dinners.
When I serve these subs, I usually add some crisp lettuce and sliced pickles on the side for a little crunch and freshness. They’re perfect for game day, cookouts, or just a weekend treat. If you want to make it extra messy and fun, try loading on extra sauce inside the roll—you won’t regret it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef (80/20 blend): This ratio keeps the meatballs juicy. If you prefer leaner meat, try 90/10, but they may be a bit drier. You could also mix ground pork or turkey for a different twist.
Bacon: Bacon adds smoky crunch. Turkey bacon works for a lighter option, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. I like thick-cut bacon for extra texture.
Bourbon BBQ Sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade. If you want less alcohol taste, cook the sauce longer to burn off more bourbon or simply use a regular BBQ sauce.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts nicely and adds tang. Feel free to swap with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicier note.
Breadcrumbs: Plain or seasoned breadcrumbs work. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free crumbs or crushed crackers.
How Do You Get Juicy Meatballs That Hold Together?
The secret is mixing but not overworking the meat and moisture balance. Here’s how:
- Use ground beef with some fat (80/20) for flavor and moisture.
- Add breadcrumbs and milk to gently soak the crumbs, which keeps meatballs tender.
- Include an egg as a binder to hold everything together without making meatballs tough.
- Mix ingredients lightly by hand until just combined. Overmixing can make them dense.
- Form meatballs evenly sized so they cook at the same rate, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
Cooking over medium heat and turning gently helps brown the outside without drying them out. Baking is an easy hands-off option that keeps meatballs juicy too.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – Perfect for combining all your meatball ingredients without making a mess.
- Skillet or grill pan – I use this to cook the meatballs evenly and get a nice browned crust.
- Baking sheet – Handy if you prefer baking meatballs for a hands-off method and easy cleanup.
- Broiler-safe pan or baking tray – Great for melting cheese and warming the meatballs under the broiler.
- Sharp knife – Essential for chopping bacon and herbs finely.
- Toaster or oven – For toasting the sub rolls to add a bit of crunch and hold up to the fillings.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version that still tastes great with the BBQ sauce.
- Try pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar to add a little spicy kick inside the sandwich.
- Add diced green peppers or jalapeños to the meatball mix for extra flavor and heat.
- Mix in finely chopped mushrooms for a subtle earthiness and moisture boost to your meatballs.
Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub buns
- 3/4 cup bourbon BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook the meatballs, plus about 5 minutes to assemble and toast the subs. The total time is roughly 30 minutes, making it a great choice for a quick, tasty meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bacon:
Cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until they’re nice and crispy. Transfer the cooked bacon onto paper towels to drain off the extra grease. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
2. Make the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, gently mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix just until everything is combined; don’t overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
3. Form the Meatballs:
Shape the mixture into about 12 meatballs, each roughly 1.5 inches in diameter. Try to keep them uniform so they cook evenly.
4. Cook the Meatballs:
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through — about 12 to 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can bake them in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 15 to 18 minutes.
5. Add Cheese and Sauce:
Transfer the cooked meatballs to a baking sheet. Generously spoon bourbon BBQ sauce over each meatball, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Place under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Toast the Rolls:
While the cheese melts, slice your hoagie rolls lengthwise and toast them lightly until they’re golden and a bit crisp. This helps the rolls hold up against the juicy meatballs and sauce.
7. Assemble the Subs:
Place 3 meatballs in each toasted hoagie roll. Drizzle more bourbon BBQ sauce over the meatballs, then sprinkle the crispy chopped bacon on top. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness.
8. Serve Immediately:
Enjoy these hearty Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs hot, paired with your favorite sides like crispy fries or creamy coleslaw.
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge overnight before cooking. You can then follow the cooking and assembly steps as usual, adding the bourbon BBQ sauce and cheese under the broiler.
What Can I Substitute for Bourbon BBQ Sauce?
If you don’t have bourbon BBQ sauce, regular BBQ sauce works perfectly. For a smoky flavor, try adding a splash of liquid smoke or a bit of smoked paprika to your BBQ sauce.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatballs and assembled subs separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the meatballs in the oven or microwave before assembling fresh subs to keep the rolls from getting soggy.
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare and cook the meatballs a day ahead, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, just reheat, add sauce and cheese, broil, and assemble the subs for a quick meal.