Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious meal that comes together in no time, look no further! These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes are sure to become a family favorite. The combination of juicy meatballs simmered in sweet-smoky BBQ sauce, all nestled inside warm sub rolls is simply irresistible. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends. Trust me, once you dig into these delightful subs, you’ll understand why I can’t get enough of them!

Whether you’re serving up a crowd or just feeding the family, this recipe is as easy as it is tasty. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy those classic cheeseburger flavors in a whole new way!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip these up even on the busiest days.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the rich flavors and cheesy goodness packed into each sub.
• Make-ahead option: Prepare the meatballs in advance and heat them up when you’re ready to serve—perfect for meal prep!
• Customizable: Feel free to get creative with toppings or sauces based on your taste preferences.
• Comfort food at its best: This hearty meal will satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling happy and full.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs requires simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

This recipe is super flexible, allowing you to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Change up the cheese: Try adding pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Add veggies: Load up your subs with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, or even pickles for an extra crunch.
• Try different sauces: Experiment with different BBQ sauces or even ranch dressing to switch things up!

How to Make Bourbon BBQ 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 toast perfectly 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. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; this helps keep your meatballs tender.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

Now it’s time to shape the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 16-20 meatballs. Making them uniform in size ensures they 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 (working in batches if necessary). Brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes total. Remember, they don’t need to be fully cooked through yet—just get that beautiful golden color!

Step 5: Simmer with Sauce

Once all meatballs are browned, return them all to the skillet and pour bourbon BBQ sauce over them. Reduce heat to low and let them simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally; this will allow those delicious flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Toast Your Sub Rolls

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

Step 7: Assemble Your Subs

Now comes the fun part! Place 4-5 meatballs inside each toasted roll and spoon extra sauce over them if desired.

Step 8: Add Cheese and Turkey Bacon

Top each sub with about ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese and break two slices of crispy Turkey Bacon into pieces on top.

Step 9: Melt That Cheese!

For extra-melty cheese goodness, return the assembled subs to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is nice and gooey.

Step 10: Serve It Up!

Serve immediately with extra bourbon BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy every bite of these comforting Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs!

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

Creating the perfect meatball sub is easier than you think, and with a few pro tips, you’ll elevate your dish to new heights!

• Use lean ground beef: Opting for a ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio ensures that your meatballs are juicy without being overly greasy. This balance keeps the flavors rich and satisfying.

• Don’t overmix the meatball mixture: Gently combining your ingredients helps maintain a tender texture. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, so be kind to your mixture!

• Toast the sub rolls: A quick toast in the oven adds a delightful crunch and prevents the bread from becoming soggy when loaded with those hearty meatballs and sauce. It enhances the overall eating experience!

• Experiment with BBQ sauces: While bourbon BBQ sauce is delicious, feel free to try other varieties like honey-chipotle or smoky mesquite to suit your taste. This allows you to customize the flavor profile of your subs.

• Serve immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve these subs right after assembling them. This way, the cheese is melty, and the bread stays perfectly crispy.

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

These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Presenting them well can make all the difference at your dinner table or during a gathering.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley or cilantro: Chopped herbs add a pop of color and freshness that brightens up each bite.
• Pickled jalapeños: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding pickled jalapeños offers a tangy kick that complements the savory flavors.

Side Dishes

• Sweet potato fries: Crispy sweet potato fries provide a sweet contrast to the savory subs, adding both flavor and nutrition.
• Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and creaminess, balancing out the rich flavors of the meatballs.
• Corn on the cob: Grilled or steamed corn on the cob is a classic summer side that pairs beautifully with BBQ flavors.
• Mixed green salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes dressed lightly in vinaigrette can refresh your palate between bites of hearty subs.

With these tips and serving ideas, your Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs will be an unforgettable dish that brings everyone together around the table! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal without the fuss during busy weeknights.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow any leftover meatball subs to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For best quality, keep the meatballs and sauce separate from the bread until ready to eat.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the meatballs cool and then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• If you prefer freezing the entire sub, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in a freezer bag.

Reheating

• Thaw meatballs overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce until warmed through (about 10 minutes).
• If reheating assembled subs, cover with foil and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs.

Can I use chicken instead of turkey bacon?

Yes! You can substitute turkey bacon with chicken bacon or even plant-based bacon if you prefer a different flavor profile.

How do I make Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes?

To make these subs quickly, follow the recipe step-by-step while prepping ingredients (like chopping onions) as you cook. Use store-bought bourbon BBQ sauce for convenience!

What other toppings can I add to my Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs?

Feel free to get creative! Add sliced jalapeños for heat, avocado for creaminess, or even pickles for tang. The options are endless!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings joy and comfort to your table! These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are not just easy to make; they offer that warm, hearty flavor we all crave. I can’t wait for you to try them out—let me know how your subs turn out! Enjoy every bite!