Description
Enjoy these hearty Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs, featuring juicy beef meatballs seasoned with smoky spices, simmered in tangy bourbon BBQ sauce, then nestled in toasted sub rolls with melted cheddar and crispy bacon. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large 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 bacon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into approximately 16-20 meatballs, each about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Brown on all sides for 5-7 minutes total.
- Return all browned meatballs to the skillet. Pour bourbon BBQ sauce over them, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes, occasionally stirring gently.
- While meatballs simmer, slice sub rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Place on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 5 minutes until golden brown.
- Place 4-5 meatballs inside each toasted roll, spooning extra sauce over them.
- Top each sub with ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese and 2 slices of crispy bacon, broken into pieces if desired.
- Return the assembled subs to the oven for 2-3 minutes until cheese is fully melted.
- Serve immediately with additional bourbon BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For juicier meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture.
- Let meatballs develop a good sear before turning to help them hold together better.
- The meatballs can be made ahead and frozen either raw or cooked for up to three months.
- Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and sub rolls for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Family Dinner
- Method: Skillet and Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sub
- Calories: 720
- Fat: 38 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 42 g
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