Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will love, then these Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes are just what you need! They transform classic burger flavors into something fun and portable. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings, this recipe is all about comfort food that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

What makes these meatball subs special is their juicy, seasoned meatballs simmered in a sweet-smoky bourbon BBQ sauce. And let’s not forget the melty cheddar cheese and crispy turkey bacon that take these subs over the top. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Whip up this dish in just 30 minutes; perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Family Favorite: Everyone loves meatballs! These subs are sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs in advance for an even faster meal when you need it.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of bourbon BBQ sauce with turkey bacon adds a delicious twist to traditional meatball subs.
• Customizable: Feel free to tweak ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your pantry or fridge. Let’s gather everything we need to create these mouthwatering Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs!

Ingredients:
– 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
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 4 sub rolls
– 8 slices crispy Turkey Bacon

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily swap out ingredients based on your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter option.
• Change the cheese: Try pepper jack or gouda for a little extra kick or creaminess.
• Add veggies: Mix some finely chopped bell peppers or onions into the meatball mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture for heat.

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

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial as it ensures your sub rolls get perfectly toasted while you prepare the meatballs.

Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. It’s important not to overmix as it can make your meatballs tough; we want them tender and juicy!

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter—aim for around 16-20 meatballs total. Uniform size ensures they cook evenly, giving you perfectly browned bites every time.

Step 4: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Browning them on all sides adds flavor and texture; it’s where that beautiful crust forms!

Step 5: Simmer with Sauce

Once all meatballs are browned, return them all to the skillet. Pour in the bourbon BBQ sauce and reduce the heat to low. Let them simmer for about 10 minutes while stirring gently. This step allows each meatball to soak up that delicious sweet-smoky goodness.

Step 6: Toast Your Sub Rolls

While your meatballs simmer 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 golden brown. Toasting adds a lovely crunch that holds up well against the saucy filling.

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—because why not?

Step 8: Top with Cheese and Bacon

Sprinkle each sub with ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and top with broken pieces of crispy turkey bacon. For an extra-melty finish, pop them back into the oven for another 2-3 minutes until everything is ooey-gooey.

Step 9: Serve with Extra Sauce

Serve immediately with additional bourbon BBQ sauce on the side for dipping! These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are best enjoyed fresh; I promise they’re worth every bite!

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

These subs are a quick and delicious way to bring comfort food to your table!

• Use lean ground beef: Opting for ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio ensures juicy meatballs that won’t dry out while cooking.
• Don’t overmix: Mixing the meatball ingredients just until combined helps keep them tender and prevents them from becoming tough during cooking.
• Preheat the skillet: Ensuring your skillet is hot before adding the meatballs allows for a nice sear, locking in flavors and juices.
• Toast the sub rolls: A quick toast adds a delightful crunch and prevents the bread from getting soggy when you add the meatballs and sauce.
• Experiment with toppings: While cheddar cheese is delicious, consider adding additional toppings like sliced jalapeños or fresh herbs for an extra flavor boost.

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

Presenting these meatball subs can be as fun as making them! Serve them up with some creative touches to impress your family or guests.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, balancing the rich flavors of the dish.
• Pickled jalapeños: These give an excellent kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile with their tangy heat.
• Sliced green onions: Adding green onions gives a mild onion flavor and a bit of crunch, perfect for elevating each bite.

Side Dishes

• Sweet potato fries: Their natural sweetness complements the smoky BBQ sauce beautifully, creating a delightful contrast.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy, refreshing slaw can balance out the richness of the meatball subs while adding a crispy texture.
• Corn on the cob: Grilled or boiled corn brushed with butter makes for a classic summer side that pairs perfectly with BBQ flavors.
• Mixed green salad: A light salad with vinaigrette dressing brings freshness to your meal and rounds out the flavors nicely.

Enjoy crafting this delicious meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are perfect for meal prep, making them a convenient option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. You can easily prepare the meatballs in advance or store leftovers for quick meals later on.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the subs to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Place the meatball subs in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, assemble the meatballs without the sauce, cheese, and sub rolls.
• Place the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

• Reheat leftover subs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• For individual servings, microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until hot.
• If frozen, cook from frozen by adding an extra 10-15 minutes when reheating in the oven.

FAQs

Have questions about making these delicious subs? Here are some answers!

How can I make Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs ahead of time?

You can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance and store them separately. Assemble the subs just before serving for optimal freshness.

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

These flavorful subs pair wonderfully with a side salad, sweet potato fries, or even coleslaw for a complete meal.

Can I substitute ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well in this recipe and will still provide delicious flavors when combined with the bourbon BBQ sauce.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs! They are not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor that everyone will love. Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these delightful handhelds are sure to impress. Happy cooking!