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Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs

Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs for Cozy Nights

Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are juicy beef meatballs in smoky barbecue sauce, topped with bacon and cheese.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 subs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound Ground Beef or ground turkey/chicken for a lighter version
  • 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs acts as a binder
  • 1/3 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese adds umami flavor
  • 1 large Egg serves as a binding agent
  • 1 medium Chopped Onion for sweetness and complexity
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic delivers warmth and depth
  • 1 tablespoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper
  • 1/4 cup Bourbon infuses flavor
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup BBQ Sauce sweet-and-tangy base
For Assembly
  • 6 slices Cooked and Crumbled Bacon
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • 2 teaspoons Salt for seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons Pepper for seasoning
  • 4 rolls Sub Rolls toast for added structure
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil for browning meatballs
Optional Toppings
  • 1 cup Sliced Pickles
  • 1 cup Lettuce
  • 1 cup Tomatoes

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, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, making about 18-20 pieces.
  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides for 5-7 minutes.
  5. Remove meatballs and deglaze skillet with bourbon. Stir in BBQ sauce and simmer until thickened.
  6. Coat meatballs in the sauce, then bake them in the oven for 10-12 minutes until cooked through.
  7. Toast sub rolls in the oven for 3-5 minutes if desired.
  8. Assemble the subs with meatballs, crumbled bacon, and cheddar cheese.
  9. Return subs to the oven for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
  10. Add any optional toppings and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1subCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 950mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For best results, avoid over-mixing the meatball mixture. Use a slotted spoon when assembling to prevent sogginess.

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