Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that will make everyone at the table smile, you’ve come to the right place! These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes are not just easy to whip up; they pack a flavor punch that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Imagine juicy meatballs simmered in sweet-smoky BBQ sauce, nestled in warm sub rolls with melty cheddar cheese and crispy Turkey Bacon. It’s comfort food at its finest!

This recipe has become a favorite in my house because it combines simplicity with incredible taste. Whether it’s a casual dinner or game day, these meatball subs are always a hit. Plus, they’re so fun to eat, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, dinner is on the table in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a good meatball sub! This dish appeals to kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and just warm them up when you’re ready to eat!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of bourbon BBQ sauce and Turkey Bacon creates an irresistible taste that you’ll crave again and again.
• Customizable: Feel free to tweak the ingredients or add your favorite toppings for a personal touch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create these delightful meatball subs. They’re easy to find at your local grocery store, so you can get started right away!

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 Assembly

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 sub rolls
• 8 slices crispy Turkey Bacon

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to mix it up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Use 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 extra flavor and nutrition.
• Change the cheese: Try different types of cheese like pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a gooey texture.
• Go vegetarian: Substitute meatballs with plant-based alternatives available at most grocery stores.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Getting it nice and hot is essential for perfectly toasted sub rolls later on. Trust me; you want that lovely golden color!

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can make your meatballs tough, so be careful here!

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Form the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter—aim for around 16-20 meatballs. This size ensures they cook evenly while still being hearty enough for your subs.

Step 4: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer. Browning them all over adds depth of flavor and creates a lovely crust.

Step 5: Simmer with BBQ Sauce

Once browned (about 5-7 minutes), return all meatballs to the skillet. Pour the bourbon BBQ sauce over them, reduce heat to low, and let them simmer for about 10 minutes. This step allows those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully!

Step 6: Toast Your Sub Rolls

While the meatballs are bubbling away, slice your sub rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Place them on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes until golden brown.

Step 7: Assemble Your Subs

Now comes the fun part! Place 4-5 meatballs inside each toasted roll, spooning extra sauce over them. Top each sub with about ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese and break two slices of crispy Turkey Bacon on top.

Step 8: Melt That Cheese!

For extra-melty goodness, return your assembled subs to the oven for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted. The aroma wafting from your kitchen will have everyone running to the table!

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve immediately with additional bourbon BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Watch as everyone digs into these scrumptious Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs—enjoy every bite!

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

These delightful meatball subs are quick and easy to make, but a few tips can help elevate your dish to the next level!

• Use lean ground beef: Opting for an 80/20 ratio helps keep the meatballs juicy without being overly greasy, making them perfect for sub sandwiches.

• Don’t overmix the meatball mixture: Gently combining the ingredients ensures tender meatballs. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture, which you definitely want to avoid!

• Let the meatballs simmer: Allowing the meatballs to simmer in the bourbon BBQ sauce not only infuses them with flavor but also keeps them moist and juicy when served.

• Toast your rolls: Toasting adds a delightful crunch to your sub rolls, which perfectly contrasts with the soft meatballs and gooey cheese. This little step makes a big difference in texture!

• Customize toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings like pickles, jalapeños, or even coleslaw for added crunch and flavor. Personalizing your subs is part of the fun!

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

Presenting these Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs is simple yet satisfying. The vibrant colors of the melted cheese and rich BBQ sauce make for an eye-catching meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends!

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a refreshing touch that balances the richness of the subs.
• Sliced green onions: These bring a mild onion flavor and a bright green hue that enhances both presentation and taste.
• Pickled jalapeños: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, adding sliced pickled jalapeños offers heat and tanginess that complements the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.

Side Dishes

• Sweet potato fries: Their slight sweetness pairs beautifully with savory flavors, offering a crispy contrast that’s hard to resist.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds coolness and crunch while cutting through the richness of the meatballs. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare!
• Corn on the cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob provides a sweet flavor profile that complements BBQ dishes perfectly. Just slather on some butter for extra decadence!
• Baked beans: These hearty beans add a smoky sweetness that goes hand-in-hand with BBQ flavors, rounding out your meal nicely.

Now you’re all set to create these scrumptious Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs! Enjoy every bite and have fun experimenting with different toppings and sides. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time and enjoy warm, delicious subs throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the meatballs to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep the sauce separate if possible to avoid soggy subs when reheating.

Freezing

• Form and cook the meatballs as directed but do not simmer them in the BBQ sauce.
• Once cooled, freeze the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then heat and simmer in BBQ sauce.

Reheating

• Reheat meatballs gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to prevent drying out.
• For subs, assemble with toasted rolls and cheese, then return them to the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.

FAQs

Have questions? We’ve got you covered!

How long does it take to make Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes?

This recipe takes a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish, with only 15 minutes of prep time. You’ll have these delicious subs ready for your family quickly!

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for the Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative that still keeps those wonderful flavors intact. Just adjust cooking times slightly as needed.

What are some side dishes that pair well with Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs?

These hearty subs go wonderfully with classic sides like coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a fresh garden salad.

Final Thoughts

I hope you love making these Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs as much as I do! They bring together comfort food flavors with a fun twist that’s sure to please everyone. Enjoy every bite and feel free to experiment with your favorite toppings or sides! Happy cooking!