Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs
🕒 Total Time: 35-40 min
🍽️ Servings: 4
💰 Cost: Moderate
These bourbon BBQ meatball subs are packed with smoky, savory flavors, topped with melty cheddar and crispy bacon, perfect for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 sub rolls
- 8 slices crispy bacon
Preparation
- Preheat Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C).
- Make Meatballs: In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until just combined. Form into 16-20 meatballs (about 1.5 inches/3.8 cm each).
- Brown Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and brown on all sides for 5-7 minutes total.
- Simmer in Sauce: Return all meatballs to the skillet. Pour bourbon BBQ sauce over them, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring gently occasionally.
- Toast Rolls: Slice sub rolls lengthwise (not all the way through), place on a baking sheet, and toast in the oven for 5 minutes until golden.
- Assemble Subs: Place 4-5 meatballs in each toasted roll, spoon extra sauce over, then top with ¼ cup shredded cheddar and 2 bacon slices (broken into pieces if preferred).
- Melt Cheese: Return subs to the oven for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve immediately with extra bourbon BBQ sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Texture Tip: Avoid overmixing meat for juicier meatballs. If too wet, add breadcrumbs 1 tbsp at a time; if too dry, add 1 tbsp milk.
- Flavor Boost: Deglaze skillet with 1 tbsp bourbon before adding BBQ sauce for extra depth.
- Make Ahead: Meatballs can be frozen raw or cooked for up to 3 months.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with oven-roasted potatoes (like the WW recipe you shared) or a simple coleslaw for a complete meal.
Enjoy these indulgent, flavor-packed subs! 🥪
