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Sizzling Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs

Juicy beef meatballs smothered in a sticky bourbon BBQ glaze, loaded into toasted buns, and topped with melted cheese and crispy bacon.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 subs
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Sandwich
Cuisine: American
Calories: 850
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cheeseburger Meatballs
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20 blend
  • 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
Bourbon BBQ Glaze
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tbsp bourbon optional
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
For Assembly
  • 4 large sub rolls or hoagie buns
  • 2 tbsp butter melted
  • 1 cup cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • 6 slices bacon cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large baking sheet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Large skillet or saucepan

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking oil.
  2. Mix panko and milk in a bowl and let sit for 5 minutes.
  3. Add ground beef, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the breadcrumbs. Mix gently until just combined.
  4. Form into meatballs and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  5. In a skillet, combine BBQ sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, and mustard. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  6. Toss the baked meatballs in the warm BBQ sauce until completely coated.
  7. Brush sub rolls with melted butter and broil for 1-2 minutes until toasted.
  8. Load the subs with saucy meatballs, top with cheese, and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Top with crumbled bacon and fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Store leftover meatballs and sauce separate from the buns in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.