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

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will love, you’ve come to the right place! These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes are one of my all-time favorites. They bring together the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in a fun, handheld form, making them perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends. Plus, who can resist juicy meatballs simmered in a sweet-smoky BBQ sauce? It’s comfort food at its finest!

What makes this recipe so special is not just the incredible taste but also how easily it comes together. In just half an hour, you can have a mouthwatering meal that feels like a treat. Whether you’re serving them for game day or a cozy family dinner, these subs are sure to impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to make: With a total time of just 30 minutes, you can whip this up even on your busiest days.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves meatballs and cheese! These subs are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
• Make-ahead option: Prepare the meatballs earlier in the day and simply warm them up when it’s time to eat.
• Flavor-packed: The combination of bourbon BBQ sauce and crispy Turkey Turkey Bacon takes these subs to another level!
• Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe based on your favorite toppings or dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients! You’ll find everything you need for these delightful meatball subs right here. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating that delicious flavor we all crave.

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 Assembly

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

Variations

This recipe is incredibly flexible! Feel free to mix it up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add veggies: Sneak in some finely chopped bell peppers or onions into the meatball mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
• Change the cheese: Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack if you want a different cheesy twist.
• Experiment with sauces: If bourbon BBQ isn’t your favorite, any tangy BBQ sauce will work well!

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

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your sub rolls get perfectly toasted while you prepare the meatballs.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mixing gently is key here; you want everything combined without overworking the meat. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs!

Step 3: Form Your Meatballs

Form the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter—aim for around 16-20 meatballs. Keeping them uniform in size helps them cook evenly.

Step 4: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer. Searing them adds flavor and texture; they only need about 5-7 minutes to brown nicely on all sides.

Step 5: Simmer with Sauce

After browning all sides of the meatballs, return them all to the skillet. Pour your bourbon BBQ sauce over them and reduce heat to low. Let them simmer for about 10 minutes; this allows those amazing flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Toast Your Sub Rolls

While your meatballs simmer away blissfully, slice your sub rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through—think of it as creating a little pocket for those flavorful bites! Place them on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes until golden brown.

Step 7: Assemble Your Subs

Now it’s time for assembly! Place 4-5 meatballs inside each toasted roll and spoon some extra sauce over them—because who doesn’t love extra flavor?

Step 8: Add Cheese and Turkey Bacon

Top each sub with about ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese and break two slices of crispy Turkey Turkey Bacon into pieces on top. If you’re feeling indulgent (and I hope you are), pop these back into the oven for another 2-3 minutes until that cheese is melty goodness.

Step 9: Serve!

Serve immediately with additional bourbon BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy every mouthwatering bite of these Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs—it’s comfort food that brings everyone together!

Pro Tips for Making Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

Making these meatball subs is not only quick but also incredibly fun! Here are some tips to ensure your subs turn out perfect every time.

• Use lean ground beef: Opting for an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio ensures juicy meatballs without excess grease, allowing the delicious bourbon BBQ sauce to shine through.

• Don’t overmix the meatball mixture: Mixing just until combined keeps the meatballs tender. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, which we definitely want to avoid!

• Sear the meatballs well: Browning them on all sides adds depth of flavor and a nice texture. This step enhances the overall taste of your subs and makes them more appealing.

• Customize your toppings: Feel free to get creative with cheese or additional toppings like diced onions or pickles! Personalizing each sub allows everyone at the table to enjoy their own unique flavor experience.

• Prep in advance: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge. This way, when it’s time to eat, you just have to simmer them in sauce and assemble!

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

These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are not only delightful but also visually appealing. Here are some ideas for presenting this delicious dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley or cilantro: Chopped herbs add a pop of color and freshness that complements the savory flavors of the meatball subs.
• Sliced jalapeños: For those who love a kick, fresh jalapeños provide a spicy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the cheese and sauce.

Side Dishes

• Sweet potato fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the subs. They’re easy to prepare and make for a satisfying side.

• Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw can balance out the richness of the meatballs and bacon. The tangy dressing adds brightness and freshness to each bite.

• Corn on the cob: Grilled or roasted corn on the cob brings a touch of summer sweetness, making it a great companion for these hearty subs.

• Mixed green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of your meal, ensuring a well-rounded dining experience.

Now that you’re armed with tips and presentation ideas, gather your family or friends around for a delightful meal that’s sure to impress! Enjoy every bite of these scrumptious Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time to make your weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover meatballs and subs in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain the texture of the rolls.

Freezing

• Allow cooked meatballs to cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring they are well-sealed.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed.
• For oven reheating, place meatballs on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delicious meatball subs!

Can I make Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and BBQ sauce in advance. Just store them separately until you’re ready to assemble and serve.

What can I use instead of sub rolls for Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes?

You can use slider buns, hoagie rolls, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Each provides a unique twist on this tasty dish!

How long do Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, they will last up to three days. If freezing, they can stay fresh for about three months.

Final Thoughts

These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are truly a delightful mix of flavors and textures that everyone will love! The combination of juicy turkey meatballs, smoky BBQ sauce, and crispy turkey bacon creates an unforgettable meal that’s perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do! Don’t hesitate to dive into this deliciousness and share your experience with family and friends!