Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

If you’re looking for a delicious meal that comes together in no time, you’ve stumbled upon a true gem! These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes are not just quick and easy; they are bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re having a busy weeknight dinner or hosting friends for the weekend, these delightful subs will surely impress. The combination of juicy meatballs, smoky BBQ sauce, and crispy turkey bacon creates an unforgettable taste experience that will have your family asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes of prep and cook time, this recipe fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love meatballs! These subs are fun to eat and can be customized to suit everyone’s tastes.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and simply heat them up when it’s time to eat!
• Flavor Explosion: The sweet-smoky bourbon BBQ sauce paired with melty cheddar cheese brings all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger into every bite.
• Versatile Meal: These subs are great for lunch, dinner, or even game day gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for these mouthwatering subs! You likely have many of these items on hand already.

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, allowing you to get creative based on your preferences or what you have in the pantry. Here are a few fun ideas to switch things up!

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Change up the cheese: Try using pepper jack cheese for an extra kick or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
• Add veggies: Toss in some finely chopped bell peppers or onions into the meatball mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

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

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) ensures that your sub rolls will toast perfectly while you prepare the meatballs. Toasting adds a lovely crunch that complements the juicy meatballs.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine your ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mixing gently until just combined is key; this keeps your meatballs tender without becoming tough.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Now it’s time to form those meatballs! Aim for about 1.5 inches in diameter to ensure they cook evenly. This should yield around 16-20 meatballs—perfectly sized for stuffing into those sub rolls.

Step 4: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add your meatballs in a single layer. Browning them on all sides adds depth of flavor through caramelization—this is where magic happens!

Step 5: Simmer with Bourbon BBQ Sauce

After browning all sides (about 5-7 minutes total), return all the meatballs to the skillet and pour over the bourbon BBQ sauce. Lowering the heat allows them to simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This step infuses each meatball with rich flavors—don’t skip it!

Step 6: Toast Your Sub Rolls

While your meatballs are simmering away, slice each sub roll lengthwise without cutting through completely. Toast them on a baking sheet in your preheated oven until golden brown—just about 5 minutes does the trick!

Step 7: Assemble Your Subs

Now comes the fun part! Place about 4-5 meatballs inside each toasted roll and spoon any extra sauce over them generously. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and crispy turkey bacon pieces for that ultimate indulgent touch.

Step 8: Melt That Cheese!

For cheesy goodness at its best, pop those assembled subs back into the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is beautifully melted together.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve immediately with extra bourbon BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Your guests (and family!) won’t be able to resist diving into these delicious Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs!

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

Creating these flavorful subs is a breeze with a few handy tips! Follow these suggestions to elevate your cooking experience and ensure delicious results.

• Prep Ahead: Prepare the meatballs and sauce a day in advance. This saves you time on busy days and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

• Use Lean Ground Beef: Opting for ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio keeps the meatballs juicy without being overly greasy, providing the perfect texture.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients for your meatballs, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, so be gentle!

• Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the spices according to your taste preferences. Adding a dash of cayenne pepper can give your meatballs an extra kick!

• Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar is classic, don’t hesitate to try different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for unique flavor profiles that complement the BBQ sauce.

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

Serving these Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs is all about presentation and pairing them with complementary sides. Here are some delightful ideas to make your meal even more appealing!

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro over the subs for a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and sauce.

• Pickled Jalapeños: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, add pickled jalapeños on top of the meatballs. They provide a wonderful contrast to the sweet BBQ flavors.

Side Dishes

• Sweet Potato Fries: These crispy fries are not only delicious but also offer a healthier alternative to traditional fries. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with BBQ flavors.

• Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and balance, making it a classic side that complements the richness of the meatball subs perfectly.

• Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob brings seasonal sweetness and a fun finger food element that pairs well with any BBQ dish.

• Garden Salad: A light garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty subs, making it a great accompaniment.

Now you’re ready to impress your family or friends with these mouth-watering Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs! Enjoy every savory bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are perfect for meal prep, making them an excellent option for busy weeks or gatherings. You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the meatball subs to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will keep well for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Wrap each assembled sub tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place the wrapped subs in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• To reheat from the fridge, place the sub on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• For frozen subs, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then follow the same reheating instructions.

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries that might help.

Can I make Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs ready in 30 minutes?

Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be quick and efficient, allowing you to create these delicious meatball subs in just 30 minutes.

What can I serve with Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs?

These flavorful subs pair wonderfully with a side of coleslaw, potato wedges, or even a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.

Can I substitute ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey can be used as a great alternative if you’re looking for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.

How do I make the meatballs spicier?

To add some heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to your meatball mixture before cooking.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Certainly! Feel free to experiment with various cheeses like pepper jack for extra spice or mozzarella for a milder flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs as much as I do! They’re not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor that will delight your family and friends. Whether it’s game day or simply a cozy dinner at home, these subs are sure to impress. Give this recipe a try, and savor every delicious bite!