Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs

August 2, 2025

- by Jenna

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Get ready to elevate your sandwich game with these Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs—a mouthwatering fusion of juicy meatballs, smoky bacon, melted cheddar, and a rich bourbon BBQ sauce, all nestled in a toasted sub roll. Perfect for game day, family dinners, or anytime you crave a hearty, flavor-packed meal!

Why You’ll Love This Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Recipe

A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite:

These subs combine the best of a cheeseburger and BBQ meatballs, with smoky paprika, garlic, and onion powder in the meatballs, plus the deep, caramelized notes of bourbon BBQ sauce. The crispy bacon and melted cheddar take it over the top!

Easy to Make, Hard to Resist:

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly but delivers restaurant-quality results. The meatballs come together quickly, and the sauce does most of the work while simmering.

Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food:

Whether you’re feeding hungry teens, hosting a casual gathering, or just treating yourself, these subs are guaranteed to disappear fast. They’re hearty, satisfying, and packed with universal appeal.

Ingredients for Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs

Ground Beef (80/20 Lean-to-Fat Ratio):

The perfect balance of lean meat and fat ensures juicy, flavorful meatballs that hold their shape without drying out.

Breadcrumbs:

Acts as a binder, keeping the meatballs tender while absorbing moisture for the ideal texture.

Egg:

Helps bind the ingredients together, preventing the meatballs from crumbling during cooking.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder:

Adds depth and savory flavor without the fuss of chopping fresh garlic or onions.

Smoked Paprika:

Infuses a subtle smokiness, complementing the bourbon BBQ sauce and bacon.

Bourbon BBQ Sauce:

The star of the show! Its sweet, tangy, and slightly boozy flavor coats the meatballs beautifully.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese:

Melts into gooey perfection, adding a sharp, creamy contrast to the smoky-sweet sauce.

Sub Rolls:

Toasted for crunch, they’re the sturdy vessel that holds all the deliciousness together.

Crispy Bacon:

Adds salty, smoky crunch—because everything’s better with bacon!

(Note: The full list of ingredients with quantities is provided in the recipe card just below.)

Variations

Spicy Kick with Jalapeños:

Add diced jalapeños to the meatball mixture or top the subs with pickled jalapeños for a fiery twist.

Turkey or Chicken Meatballs:

Swap ground beef for leaner ground turkey or chicken, adjusting cooking time slightly to prevent dryness.

Gluten-Free Option:

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and sub rolls to make this recipe celiac-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

How to Prepare Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until just combined.

Step 2:

Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs (about 16-20). Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides (5-7 minutes total).

Step 3:

Pour bourbon BBQ sauce over the meatballs, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4:

Toast sub rolls in the oven for 5 minutes until golden. Assemble subs with 4-5 meatballs per roll, extra sauce, shredded cheddar, and crispy bacon.

Step 5:

Return subs to the oven for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese. Serve immediately with extra sauce for dipping!

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Meatball Spring Scoops

Ensures evenly sized meatballs for consistent cooking and a professional presentation.

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Cast Iron Skillet – Pre-Seasoned Frying Pan

Ideal for browning meatballs evenly and retaining heat for simmering the sauce.

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silicone basting brush for BBQ

Helps coat meatballs evenly with sauce and adds extra glaze to the rolls.

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Tips and Tricks

Don’t Overmix the Meat:

Overworking the ground beef can make the meatballs tough. Mix just until ingredients are combined.

Batch-Browning for Crispiness:

Avoid overcrowding the skillet—brown meatballs in batches for even searing and better texture.

Toast Rolls for Structure:

Toasting the sub rolls prevents them from getting soggy under the saucy meatballs.

How to Serve

Classic Pairing with Fries:

Serve with crispy fries or onion rings for the ultimate pub-style meal.

Lighten It Up with a Salad:

Balance the richness with a tangy coleslaw or a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette.

Game-Day Spread:

Cut subs into smaller portions for party-friendly sliders alongside nachos and wings.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Prep Meatballs in Advance:

Shape and refrigerate uncooked meatballs for up to 24 hours before browning and simmering.

Freeze for Later:

Cooked meatballs in sauce freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Store Assembled Subs Carefully:

Leftover assembled subs can be refrigerated for 1-2 days. Reheat in the oven to revive crispiness.

FAQ

1. Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Yes, but homemade meatballs taste far better! If using pre-made, opt for plain beef meatballs and simmer them in the bourbon BBQ sauce.

2. What’s a good substitute for bourbon BBQ sauce?

Regular BBQ sauce works, but for depth, add 1 tbsp bourbon or molasses to mimic the flavor.

3. How do I prevent the cheese from hardening?

Serve immediately after melting, or cover subs loosely with foil to retain warmth.

There you have it—a recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering, these Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs deliver big flavors and even bigger smiles!