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Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs

Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
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Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs combine juicy ground beef meatballs, crispy smoky bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich bourbon BBQ sauce, all served in soft sub rolls. This flavorful dish delivers classic cheeseburger tastes in a hearty, comforting sandwich perfect for casual dinners, game days, or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
  • 1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
  • 1 large egg
  • 4 sub rolls, soft yet sturdy
  • 1/4 cup finely minced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped cooked bacon, breadcrumbs, egg, finely minced onion and garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are well incorporated but don’t overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
  2. Shape and Cook Meatballs: Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides until crispy and fully cooked inside, about 10-12 minutes. Remove and drain excess grease.
  3. Coat with Bourbon BBQ Sauce: Transfer the cooked meatballs to a saucepan, pour in your bourbon BBQ sauce, and simmer on low heat for 5 minutes. This step infuses smoky, sweet layers right into the meatballs.
  4. Assemble the Subs: Slice your sub rolls open but not all the way through. Place several bourbon BBQ bacon cheeseburger meatballs inside each roll, spoon some extra sauce on top, then layer with cheddar cheese.
  5. Melt the Cheese: Pop the assembled subs under the broiler or in a hot oven for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese melts and starts to bubble—watch closely to avoid burning.

Notes

  • Use fresh, high-fat ground beef for juicy, flavorful meatballs that won’t dry out.
  • Handle the meat mixture lightly to keep the texture tender and juicy; don’t overmix.
  • Roll meatballs the same size so they cook uniformly every time.
  • Choose soft but dense rolls that can hold the meatballs and sauce without falling apart.
  • Simmer the BBQ sauce with the meatballs to deepen the flavor; raw sauce won’t deliver the same richness.
  • Cheddar cheese adds sharpness, but feel free to try smoked gouda or pepper jack for variation.

Nutrition

Keywords: Bourbon BBQ, Bacon, Cheeseburger, Meatball Subs, BBQ Meatballs, Comfort Food, Game Day Recipe, Bacon Cheeseburger

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/bourbon-bbq-bacon-cheeseburger-meatball-subs/