Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes are not just a meal; they’re a celebration of flavors! Perfect for game day, family dinners, or casual get-togethers, these subs combine juicy meatballs with a rich BBQ sauce and crispy turkey bacon. The result is an irresistible handheld treat that will leave everyone wanting more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of bourbon BBQ sauce and spices creates a sweet-smoky flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Serving Options: These meatball subs can be served at parties, game nights, or as an easy weeknight dinner.
• Kid-Friendly: The fun presentation of meatballs in toasted sub rolls makes it appealing to kids and adults alike.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the toppings or swap out ingredients to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this mouthwatering recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Having everything ready will make the preparation quick and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large bowl
• Skillet
• Baking sheet
• Spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large bowl: Ideal for mixing all the ingredients without spilling, ensuring an even blend for flavorful meatballs.
• Skillet: Provides a perfect surface for browning meatballs evenly, enhancing their flavor through caramelization.
• Baking sheet: Great for toasting sub rolls quickly and evenly, achieving that perfect golden brown finish.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 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

For Cooking

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce

For Assembly

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 sub rolls
• 8 slices crispy Turkey Bacon

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

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will prepare it for toasting the sub rolls later.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl:
1. Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 16-20 meatballs.

Step 4: Brown the Meatballs

In a large skillet over medium heat:
1. Heat olive oil until shimmering.
2. Add meatballs in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
3. Brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes; they don’t need to be fully cooked at this point.

Step 5: Simmer in Sauce

Once browned:
1. Return all meatballs to the skillet.
2. Pour bourbon BBQ sauce over them.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Step 6: Toast Sub Rolls

While meatballs are simmering:
1. Slice sub rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through.
2. Place on a baking sheet and toast in preheated oven for about 5 minutes until golden brown.

Step 7: Assemble the Subs

To assemble each sub:
1. Place 4-5 meatballs inside each toasted roll.
2. Spoon extra sauce over the top.
3. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and add crispy turkey bacon pieces.

Step 8: Melt the Cheese

For extra-melty cheese:
Return assembled subs to oven for an additional 2-3 minutes until cheese is fully melted.

Step 9: Serve

Serve immediately with additional bourbon BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

Enjoy these delightful Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs as a satisfying meal that’s sure to please any crowd!

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

These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are best enjoyed fresh and hot, ensuring you experience the full flavor of the juicy meatballs and melted cheese. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Pair with Pickles

• Add a side of dill pickles for a tangy crunch that complements the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.

Serve with Coleslaw

• A refreshing coleslaw can add a nice texture contrast and lighten up the rich flavors of the subs.

Enjoy with Sweet Potato Fries

• Sweet potato fries bring a hint of sweetness and a crispy bite, making them a perfect side for these hearty subs.

Drizzle Extra Sauce

• Serve extra bourbon BBQ sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling, enhancing each bite with more flavor.

Include Fresh Veggies

• Sliced cucumbers or carrot sticks can provide a crisp, fresh element to balance out the richness of the meatball subs.

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

Achieving perfection with your Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs is all about technique and timing. Here are some tips to ensure your dish stands out.

• Use high-quality ground beef: Choosing beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio will give you juicier meatballs.
• Don’t overmix: When combining ingredients, mix gently to keep the meatballs tender and not tough.
• Preheat your skillet: Ensuring your skillet is hot before adding meatballs helps achieve that perfect brown crust.
• Simmer gently: Allowing meatballs to simmer in BBQ sauce ensures they absorb maximum flavor while staying moist.
• Toast rolls: Toasting your sub rolls adds extra texture, making them crisp on the outside while soft on the inside.
• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to customize toppings like jalapeños or avocado for added flavor and flair.

Best Side Dishes for Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

To round out your meal featuring these tasty subs, consider serving them with some delicious sides. Here are some top choices:

1. Classic Potato Chips
   Crunchy chips provide a salty snack that pairs well with the savory flavors of the subs.

2. Corn on the Cob
   Grilled or boiled corn on the cob adds sweetness and freshness, perfect for summer meals.

3. Garden Salad
   A light garden salad brings freshness and color, balancing the richness of the subs.

4. Macaroni Salad
   Creamy macaroni salad is a satisfying side that complements BBQ flavors splendidly.

5. Baked Beans
   Sweet baked beans offer a delightful contrast and add heartiness to your meal.

6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness and makes for a healthy side option.

7. Chili Cheese Fries
   For an indulgent treat, serve chili cheese fries alongside for extra comfort food goodness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the best Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs, steer clear of these common pitfalls.

• Boldly skip the seasoning: Not seasoning your meat mixture can lead to bland meatballs. Always include spices and herbs for flavor enhancement.
• Boldly overmixing: Mixing the meat too much can create tough meatballs. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed for a tender bite.
• Boldly ignoring size consistency: Unevenly sized meatballs will cook at different rates. Aim for uniformity in size for even cooking.
• Boldly rushing the simmering process: Skipping the simmering step may result in undercooked meatballs. Allow time for them to absorb the flavors of the BBQ sauce.
• Boldly neglecting cheese melting: Leaving out the final melt can result in a less satisfying texture. Pop the assembled subs back into the oven briefly to achieve gooey cheese perfection.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover subs in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

• Wrap each sub tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake wrapped subs for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat each sub on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Place subs in a skillet over medium heat, covering with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs.

What can I substitute if I don’t have ground beef?

You can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative while still achieving great flavor.

How do I customize my Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs?

Feel free to add different toppings like jalapeños, avocado, or pickles according to your taste preferences!

Can I make these Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them separately until you’re ready to assemble.

What is a good side dish with Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes?

Try pairing these subs with coleslaw or sweet potato fries for a hearty meal.

Final Thoughts

These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are a delightful twist on classic flavors, perfect for any occasion. With their juicy meatballs and crispy turkey bacon, they offer both comfort and satisfaction. Plus, you can easily customize them with your favorite toppings or sides. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!