Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that brings all the best flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a fun, handheld form, you’ve come to the right place! These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes are not only scrumptious but also incredibly easy to whip up. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.

I love this dish because it’s all about comfort food with a twist. The juicy meatballs simmered in sweet-smoky BBQ sauce, combined with crispy turkey bacon and melty cheddar cheese, make for one irresistible bite. Plus, you can have dinner on the table in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes needed from start to finish, busy weeknights are no problem!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone will love these meatball subs—perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of bourbon BBQ sauce and turkey bacon takes your taste buds on an adventure.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for an even quicker meal later.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak ingredients to suit your family’s preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you’ll be excited to use. They come together beautifully to create flavor-packed meatballs that everyone will love!

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 Bacon

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to make it your own with these tasty variations:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Change up the cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for some extra spice or mozzarella for a milder taste.
• Add veggies: Toss in some chopped spinach or bell peppers into the meat mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
• Make it spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the meatball mixture if you like things with a kick!

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 rest of this delicious dish!

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. It’s important not to overmix here; we want tender meatballs!

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

Form the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 16-20 meatballs. This size makes them perfect for fitting snugly inside those sub rolls!

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 on all sides takes about 5-7 minutes total and adds great flavor through caramelization.

Step 5: Simmer in BBQ Sauce

Once all meatballs are browned, return them all to the skillet. Pour that luscious bourbon BBQ sauce over them and reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 10 minutes while occasionally stirring gently—this step infuses each meatball with rich flavor.

Step 6: Toast Sub Rolls

While your meatballs are simmering away, slice your sub rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Place them on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes until they’re golden brown—this gives them that lovely crunch!

Step 7: Assemble Your Subs

Now comes the fun part! Place 4-5 meatballs inside each toasted roll and spoon some extra sauce over them. Then top each sub with shredded cheddar cheese and crispy turkey bacon broken into pieces.

Step 8: Melt That Cheese

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

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve immediately with extra bourbon BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Get ready for smiles all around as everyone digs into these hearty subs!

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

These meatball subs are not only quick to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser! Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Use lean ground beef: Opting for an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio will give you juicy meatballs without too much grease, ensuring a balanced flavor and texture.

• Don’t overmix the meatball mixture: Gently combining the ingredients helps keep the meatballs tender. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, so mix just until everything is incorporated.

• Brown the meatballs well: Taking the time to brown the meatballs adds depth of flavor. The caramelization creates a beautiful crust that enhances the overall taste when they simmer in BBQ sauce.

• Toast your sub rolls: Toasting the rolls not only makes them crispy but also prevents them from getting soggy when filled with sauce. A little crunch goes a long way!

• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add other toppings such as sliced jalapeños or avocado for an extra kick or creaminess. Customizing your subs can make them even more delightful!

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

Serving these Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs is all about presentation and pairing them with complementary flavors. Here’s how you can elevate your dining experience.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, brightening up the rich flavors of the subs.
• Pickles or pickled jalapeños: Adding tangy pickles or zesty jalapeños gives a nice crunch and a burst of acidity that balances the richness of the cheese and sauce.

Side Dishes

• Sweet Potato Fries: Crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast to savory meatballs. They’re easy to make and perfect for dipping!
• Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty subs. You can whip it up quickly using pre-packaged slaw mix.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn is a classic summer side that pairs well with barbecue flavors. Just add some butter and seasoning for a delicious complement.
• Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing palate cleanser alongside your rich subs.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be ready to impress family and friends with your mouthwatering Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Meal prep enthusiasts will love this Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs recipe! It’s not only quick to whip up but also perfect for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the meatball subs to cool completely before storing.
• Place any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Store toasted sub rolls separately to maintain their texture.

Freezing

• Cool the meatballs completely before freezing.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze without the sub rolls.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen meatballs, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
• Warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of bourbon BBQ sauce until heated through.
• For subs, place the thawed meatballs into toasted rolls and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until everything is warmed through.

FAQs

Got questions? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers!

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

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and assemble when you’re ready to serve.

What can I serve with Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes?

These delicious subs pair perfectly with a side salad, crispy sweet potato fries, or even some homemade coleslaw for a refreshing crunch.

How do I customize my Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs?

Feel free to add your favorite toppings! Sliced jalapeños, pickles, or even avocado can give your subs an extra kick of flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs! They are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or just for a cozy night in. With their rich flavors and satisfying textures, they truly bring comfort food to a whole new level. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations!