Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser with a fun twist on classic flavors. Imagine juicy meatballs packed with all the goodness of cheeseburgers—melty cheese, crispy bacon,…
Tip: save now, cook later.Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser with a fun twist on classic flavors. Imagine juicy meatballs packed with all the goodness of cheeseburgers—melty cheese, crispy bacon, and that rich, sweet bourbon barbecue sauce all nestled in a soft sub roll. Each bite hits you with a little bit of smoky, tangy, and cheesy deliciousness that’s hard to resist.
I love making these for game days or casual dinners because they bring everyone together. The bourbon BBQ sauce adds a nice kick, and the bacon gives just the right crunch. I usually make extra sauce so I can drizzle it on top for that saucy goodness in every bite. Plus, using meatballs instead of patties makes them easier to eat and share around the table.
These subs are my go-to when I want something hearty and satisfying without a lot of fuss. It’s like having your favorite cheeseburger and BBQ all rolled into one handheld meal. If you’re a fan of big flavors and easy-to-handle sandwiches, I’m pretty sure you’ll love these as much as I do!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: Using 80/20 beef (80% lean, 20% fat) keeps the meatballs juicy. You can swap half the beef for ground pork or turkey for a milder flavor.
Bourbon BBQ sauce: The bourbon adds depth and sweetness. If avoiding alcohol, use apple juice or extra vinegar for tang.
Bacon: Adds a crispy, smoky touch. Turkey bacon works well too, or skip it for a simpler version.
Cheese: Cheddar melts nicely here, but feel free to mix with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for gooeyness.
Sub rolls: Choose soft, sturdy rolls that hold the meatballs and sauce well. If you can’t find subs, hoagie rolls or even large sandwich buns work.
How Do I Make Juicy Cheeseburger-Style Meatballs?
Getting juicy meatballs that hold together means mixing carefully and cooking right.
- Mix ingredients gently—overhandling makes tough meatballs.
- Add milk and Worcestershire sauce for moisture and flavor.
- Browning the meatballs in a pan gives extra flavor, then finish cooking them in the oven or in the sauce.
- Don’t crowd the pan; cook in batches to brown evenly.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for gently combining meatball ingredients without overworking the meat.
- Medium saucepan – great for simmering and reducing the bourbon BBQ sauce evenly.
- Large skillet or frying pan – helps you brown meatballs nicely before baking for extra flavor.
- Baking sheet – to finish cooking the meatballs and melt the cheese on the subs in the oven.
- Sharp knife – makes slicing sub rolls clean and easy without squashing them.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meatball option that still tastes great.
- Try pepper jack or smoked cheddar cheese for a little extra spice or smoky flavor.
- Add finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne powder to the meatballs for a spicy kick.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra depth and a touch of sweetness.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – for combining the meatball ingredients gently.
- Medium saucepan – to simmer and reduce the bourbon BBQ sauce.
- Large skillet or frying pan – to brown the meatballs before baking.
- Baking sheet – for finishing the subs in the oven with cheese melted perfectly.
- Sharp knife – to slice the sub rolls lengthwise without squashing them.
Variations & Flavor Ideas
- Meat options: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meatball.
- Cheese twists: Use pepper jack for a spicy note or smoked cheddar for more smoky flavor.
- Spice it up: Add finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne powder to the meatball mix for some heat.
- Extra veggies: Stir sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions into the meatballs for a touch of sweetness and extra texture.
- Non-alcoholic BBQ sauce: Replace bourbon with apple juice or extra vinegar if you prefer to avoid alcohol.
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Yes! Just thaw them completely in the fridge overnight before cooking. Then brown and simmer them in the bourbon BBQ sauce as directed for best flavor.
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the meatballs and sauce a day ahead and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove before assembling the subs and baking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Subs are best eaten fresh but can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for a day.
Can I Substitute the Bourbon in the BBQ Sauce?
Absolutely! For a non-alcoholic option, replace bourbon with equal parts apple juice or extra apple cider vinegar to keep that tangy sweetness.