Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Subs (Print View)

Juicy beef meatballs, bourbon BBQ, bacon, and cheddar fill toasted sub rolls for a hearty bite.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meatball Mixture

01 - 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
02 - 1 cup dry breadcrumbs
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 0.5 teaspoon salt
08 - 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Finishing and Assembly

09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
10 - 1 cup bourbon-style barbecue sauce
11 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
12 - 8 slices cooked crispy bacon
13 - 4 sub rolls

# Directions:

01 - Set oven temperature to 375°F and allow to preheat completely.
02 - Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix gently until just incorporated.
03 - Shape the mixture into meatballs roughly 1.5 inches in diameter, making approximately 16 to 20 pieces.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in a single layer, working in batches as needed, and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes total. Do not cook through completely.
05 - Return all browned meatballs to the skillet. Pour bourbon barbecue sauce over the meatballs, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - While the meatballs simmer, slice sub rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Arrange rolls on a baking sheet and toast in preheated oven for 5 minutes until golden and crisp.
07 - Place 4 to 5 meatballs into each toasted sub roll and spoon additional sauce over the meatballs.
08 - Top each sandwich with 0.25 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 2 slices of crispy bacon, breaking bacon into smaller pieces if preferred.
09 - Return assembled sandwiches to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes to melt the cheese fully, if desired.
10 - Serve sandwiches immediately with extra bourbon barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.

# Notes:

01 - Avoid overmixing the beef mixture to maintain tender meatballs.

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