Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs (Printable Recipe)

Juicy meatballs, smoky bacon, and bourbon BBQ sauce meet melty cheddar in these irresistible subs.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Meatball Base

01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 1/4 cup finely diced onion
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
07 - 1 tsp salt
08 - 1/2 tsp black pepper

→ Toppings & Assembly

09 - 1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce
10 - 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
11 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
12 - 4 hoagie or sub rolls
13 - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overworking the meat.
03 - Roll mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 160°F.
05 - While meatballs cook, warm the BBQ sauce in a skillet over low heat. Transfer cooked meatballs to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly in sauce.
06 - Place 4-5 meatballs into each sub roll. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped bacon.
07 - Arrange subs on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
08 - Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Use 80/20 beef for the juiciest meatballs with optimal flavor and texture.
02 - Toast the sub rolls before assembling for extra crunch and to prevent sogginess.
03 - Cook bacon ahead and keep it crispy by patting with paper towels to remove excess grease.
04 - Add a dash of smoked paprika to the meatball mix for enhanced depth of flavor.
05 - Double the recipe as these reheat beautifully for next-day lunches.
06 - The alcohol in bourbon BBQ sauce cooks out completely, leaving only rich, smoky sweetness.
07 - Sharp cheddar provides classic cheeseburger flavor, while pepper jack adds a spicy kick.

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