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Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs

Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs for Epic Flavor

These Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs blend rich flavors into a satisfying dish for all occasions.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 subs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
  • 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option.
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Can replace with nutritional yeast for dairy-free.
  • 1 Egg Adjust cooking time if using egg substitutes.
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Onion Green onions or shallots can be substituted.
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Garlic powder may be used as a substitute.
  • Salt and Pepper To taste.
For the Bourbon BBQ Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Bourbon Can replace with other whiskey, apple cider, or vegetable broth for non-alcoholic options.
  • 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce Use homemade or low-sugar BBQ for healthier options.
For Assembly
  • 6 strips Cooked Crumbled Bacon Consider crispy onion straws or plant-based bacon for a vegetarian option.
  • 1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Try Monterey Jack or dairy-free cheese alternatives.
  • 4 pieces Sub Rolls Whole grain or gluten-free rolls can be utilized.
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil Any neutral oil works for sautéing.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Shape the mixture into about 18-20 meatballs, each roughly 1 inch in size.
  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear meatballs for about 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally.
  5. Remove meatballs and deglaze the skillet with bourbon, scraping up any browned bits. Add BBQ sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Coat the meatballs in the BBQ sauce, then transfer them to a baking dish.
  7. Bake the meatballs for 10–12 minutes until cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  8. Slice the sub rolls open lengthwise and place them on a baking sheet.
  9. Assemble the subs by placing meatballs in each sub roll and spooning extra BBQ sauce over the top. Sprinkle with bacon and cheddar cheese.
  10. Return the assembled subs to the oven for 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts.
  11. Add any desired fresh toppings and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1subCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Mix ingredients gently to keep meatballs tender. Brown in batches for best results and monitor baking for perfect doneness.

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