DINNER

Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs: 1 Amazing Recipe

by Fatima Garcia

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22 de January de 2026

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Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs have a way of bringing pure joy to the dinner table, and I’ve discovered that making them couldn’t be simpler. My earliest memory of these subs involves a summer barbecue where the aroma of smoky, sweet sauce filled the air, making my mouth water instantly. Now, I get to recreate that magic in my own kitchen, and I’m thrilled to share exactly how to make bourbon BBQ meatball subs that are incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy bourbon BBQ meatball subs. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs

These subs are a weeknight hero for so many reasons:

Incredible Flavor: A perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory with a tangy bourbon kick.
Quick Prep Time: You can have these on the table in about 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy evenings.
Family-Friendly: Picky eaters and adults alike adore these hearty, satisfying sandwiches.
Budget-Conscious: Uses common pantry staples and ground beef, keeping it affordable.
Versatile: This Bourbon BBQ meatball sub recipe is easily adaptable to your taste preferences.
Minimal Cleanup: Most of the cooking happens in one skillet and the oven.
Easy Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs: Seriously, they are so simple to whip up, you’ll make them again and again.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings for a truly personalized experience.

Ingredients for The Best Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs

Gathering these Bourbon BBQ meatball sub ingredients is the first step to an amazing meal. I love how simple and accessible everything is!

1 lb ground beef, 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio – The higher fat content keeps the meatballs wonderfully juicy and tender.
1 cup plain breadcrumbs – These help bind the meatballs and give them a lovely texture.
1 large egg – Our binder to hold all those delicious meatball components together.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – For that essential savory depth.
1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds another layer of aromatic flavor.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika – This gives our meatballs a subtle smoky undertone that pairs perfectly with the bourbon BBQ sauce.
½ teaspoon salt – To enhance all the flavors.
¼ teaspoon black pepper – A little warmth and spice.
1 tablespoon olive oil – Just enough to get a beautiful sear on the meatballs.
1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce – The star of the show, providing that signature sweet and tangy kick.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – For that melty, gooey topping that makes these subs irresistible.
4 sub rolls – Choose good quality rolls that can hold up to all the goodness inside.
8 slices crispy bacon – Because everything is better with bacon, right?

How to Make Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs

Putting together this Bourbon BBQ meatball sub recipe is a breeze, and the aroma that fills your kitchen as you cook is just divine. You’ll soon see why these are some of the best homemade bourbon BBQ meatball subs you’ll ever try.

Step 1: Get your oven fired up to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature for browning the meatballs and toasting the rolls.
Step 2: In a large bowl, gently combine 1 lb ground beef, 1 cup plain breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Mix just until everything is incorporated – overmixing can make them tough!
Step 3: Shape the meat mixture into approximately 16-20 meatballs, each about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. Little spheres of deliciousness!
Step 4: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, carefully add the meatballs in a single layer. Brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes total. You want a nice crust.
Step 5: Return all the browned meatballs to the skillet. Pour the 1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce over them. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let them simmer for 10 minutes, giving them a gentle stir occasionally. They’ll start to get wonderfully glazed.
Step 6: While the meatballs are simmering, slice your 4 sub rolls lengthwise, but don’t cut all the way through. Place them cut-side up on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 5 minutes until they’re golden brown and smell amazing.
Step 7: Carefully place 4-5 saucy meatballs inside each toasted roll. Spoon any extra bourbon BBQ sauce over the meatballs – don’t be shy!
Step 8: Top each loaded sub with about ¼ cup of 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 2 slices of 8 slices crispy bacon, broken into pieces if you like.
Step 9: Return the assembled subs to the oven for another 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese is perfectly melted and gooey.
Step 10: Serve these fantastic Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs immediately. They’re best enjoyed piping hot, perhaps with some extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs: 1 Amazing Recipe - Bourbon Bbq Meatball Subs - main visual representation

Pro Tips for The Best Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make these subs absolutely perfect. Follow these tips for guaranteed success!

Don’t overmix the meatball mixture! Gently combine ingredients to keep them tender.
Sear the meatballs well before simmering; this helps them hold their shape and adds depth of flavor.
Toast the sub rolls until they’re lightly golden. This prevents them from getting soggy from the sauce.
Use a good quality bourbon BBQ sauce for the best flavor.
Don’t skip the bacon – it adds that irresistible smoky crunch!

What’s the secret to perfect Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs?

The secret to the best Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs lies in the balance of juicy meatballs and that rich, tangy sauce. Searing the meatballs before simmering them in the bourbon BBQ sauce locks in moisture and builds a fantastic flavor base. For more tips on achieving perfect meatballs, check out this guide on meatball preparation.

Can I make Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the meatballs and the bourbon BBQ sauce separately up to two days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just assemble and heat when you’re ready to serve. This is a great strategy for busy weeknights, similar to how one might prepare slow cooker meals.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs?

A common pitfall is overmixing the meat, which makes meatballs tough. Another is not toasting the rolls, leaving them soggy. Make sure to sear your meatballs properly before adding the sauce to prevent them from falling apart. Learning about proper cooking techniques can help avoid these issues, much like understanding food safety guidelines.

Best Ways to Serve Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs

These delicious Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs are fantastic on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a few complementary sides to create a complete meal. I love serving them with a fresh, crisp coleslaw to cut through the richness of the meatballs and sauce. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also works beautifully. If you want to really lean into the BBQ theme, consider serving them with a side of baked beans or sweet potato fries. When it comes to enjoying your BBQ meatball sub with bourbon sauce, don’t forget a little extra sauce on the side for dipping – it’s always a hit! For more ideas on side dishes, explore these food pairing suggestions.

Nutrition Facts for Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs

Here are the estimated nutritional details for one serving of these amazing Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs. Remember, these are just guidelines, as ingredient specifics can vary.

Calories: 720
Fat: 38 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Protein: 42 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 1450 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on understanding nutritional labels, you can refer to resources like the FDA’s guidance on nutrition labeling.

How to Store and Reheat Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs

Even though these Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs are best enjoyed fresh, I know life gets busy, so storing and reheating them is super practical. Once the meatballs and sauce have cooled completely, I like to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze the cooked meatballs and sauce (without the rolls or cheese) for up to 3 months. This makes it easy to have slow cooker bourbon BBQ meatballs for subs ready anytime! For reheating, you can gently warm the meatballs and sauce on the stovetop over low heat, or microwave them for a minute or two until heated through. Then, toast fresh sub rolls, add the warmed meatballs and sauce, top with cheese and bacon, and reheat briefly in the oven or microwave until the cheese is melty and delicious. If you’re interested in other make-ahead meal strategies, consider looking into meal prep ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs

Can I make Bourbon glazed meatball subs ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! Prepare the meatballs and the bourbon BBQ sauce separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, assemble and heat them. This makes them a fantastic option for meal prep.

What kind of meatballs work best for Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs?

I find that using an 80/20 ground beef blend is ideal. The fat content keeps the meatballs wonderfully moist and flavorful. Avoid going too lean, as it can result in drier meatballs that won’t absorb the sauce as well.

Can I use a different kind of meat for these subs?

While ground beef is classic, you can certainly experiment! Many people enjoy these with ground turkey or even a mixture of beef and pork for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful of the fat content to ensure moisture.

How do I prevent my sub rolls from getting soggy?

The key is to toast your sub rolls before adding the meatballs and sauce. A quick toast in the oven or under the broiler creates a slight barrier. Also, don’t overload the rolls with too much sauce, or serve extra sauce on the side for dipping!

Variations of Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs You Can Try

While this Bourbon BBQ meatball sub recipe is fantastic as is, I love getting creative in the kitchen! Here are a few ways you can switch things up to make them your own:

Ground Beef Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs: This recipe already features delicious ground beef meatballs, but feel free to experiment with different blends like 85/15 for a slightly leaner option, or even add a bit of pork for extra richness.
Spicy Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs: For those who love a little heat, simply add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely minced jalapeño to the meatball mixture. You could also stir some sriracha or red pepper flakes into your bourbon BBQ sauce for an extra kick.
Slow Cooker Method: Skip the browning step! Combine all the meatball ingredients, roll them into balls, and place them directly into your slow cooker with the bourbon BBQ sauce. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Serve them in toasted buns as is.
Turkey or Chicken Option: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You might need to add a little extra moisture with a splash of milk or an extra egg to keep them from drying out, as these meats are leaner.

About the Author

Fatima Garcia