Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes are a game-changer for your weeknight meals. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, these subs offer a burst of flavor with every bite. The combination of juicy meatballs, sweet-smoky bourbon BBQ sauce, melty cheese, and crispy turkey bacon creates an unforgettable taste experience that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: These meatball subs can be ready in just 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavor-Packed: The bourbon BBQ sauce adds a delicious twist that enhances the classic cheeseburger flavor.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the toppings or substitute ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these satisfying handheld meals, making them perfect for any occasion.
• Comfort Food Done Right: With gooey cheese and savory meatballs, these subs are the ultimate comfort food.

Tools and Preparation

To make Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes, you will need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet
• Baking sheet
• Measuring spoons
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Skillet: Perfect for browning meatballs evenly and simmering them in BBQ sauce.
• Baking sheet: Great for toasting sub rolls quickly in the oven.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create these delectable Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes:

• 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

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

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your sub rolls will toast perfectly while the meatballs cook.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine:
Ground beef
Breadcrumbs
Egg
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Smoked paprika
Salt
Black pepper

Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 3: Form Meatballs

Form the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should have approximately 16-20 meatballs.

Step 4: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer:
Brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes total. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.

Step 5: Simmer in BBQ Sauce

Once browned, return all meatballs to the skillet. Pour bourbon BBQ sauce over them:
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Toast Sub Rolls

While the meatballs simmer, slice your sub rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through:
Place them on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes until golden brown.

Step 7: Assemble Your Subs

Fill each toasted roll with 4-5 meatballs:
Spoon extra sauce over them.

Step 8: Add Cheese and Turkey Bacon

Top each sub with:
¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 slices of crispy Turkey Bacon (broken into pieces if desired)

Step 9: Melt Cheese (Optional)

For extra-melty cheese, return assembled subs to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes until cheese is fully melted.

Step 10: Serve

Serve immediately with additional bourbon BBQ sauce on the side for dipping! Enjoy your Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes!

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

These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are not just a meal; they are an experience! Serving them with the right accompaniments can elevate your dining experience. Here are some tasty serving suggestions to consider.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette is a refreshing complement.
• Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the meatball subs.

Add Some Crunch

• Potato Chips: Classic potato chips provide a satisfying crunch that pairs well with the soft sub rolls.
• Pickles: Serve dill pickles on the side for a tangy contrast to the sweet bourbon BBQ sauce.

Refreshing Beverages

• Iced Tea: Sweetened or unsweetened iced tea is a great thirst-quencher alongside these flavorful subs.
• Lemonade: Bright and citrusy lemonade enhances the BBQ flavors and adds a refreshing touch.

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

For those looking to elevate their Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs, here are some quick tips. Perfecting this recipe will guarantee delicious results every time.

• Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to adjust spices according to your taste preferences. More smoked paprika can enhance the BBQ flavor.
• Moisture Control: Ensure not to overmix the meatball mixture; this keeps them tender and juicy.
• Cheese Selection: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for added heat or gouda for a smoky flavor.
• Topping Variety: Try adding jalapeños or crispy onions for extra texture and flavor on top of your subs.
• Sauce Drizzle: A drizzle of extra bourbon BBQ sauce before serving takes these subs to another level of deliciousness.
• Make Ahead: Prepare meatballs in advance and freeze them. When you’re ready, cook them straight from frozen for quick meals.

Best Side Dishes for Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

Complement your Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs with sides that enhance the overall meal. Here are some great options that pair perfectly.

1. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a delightful sweetness that pairs wonderfully with BBQ flavors.
2. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob brings a summer vibe and adds natural sweetness to balance the meal.
3. Baked Beans: A classic American side, baked beans add heartiness and flavor that complements the meatballs beautifully.
4. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is always a hit, providing comfort food vibes alongside your subs.
5. Garlic Breadsticks: Serve warm garlic breadsticks for an extra layer of indulgence, perfect for dipping into extra sauce.
6. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad provides freshness and crunch, balancing out the rich flavors of the subs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes is key to making delicious Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Using the wrong meat: Choosing a leaner ground meat can lead to dry meatballs. Stick with ground beef that has an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juiciness.
• Overmixing the meatball mixture: Mixing too aggressively can make the meatballs tough. Combine ingredients gently until just mixed to keep them tender.
• Skipping the browning step: Browning enhances flavor, so don’t skip this step. Make sure to brown your meatballs on all sides before simmering in sauce.
• Not simmering long enough: Quick cooking won’t let flavors develop. Allow the meatballs to simmer in the bourbon BBQ sauce for at least 10 minutes for a rich taste.
• Ignoring cheese melting: For that gooey cheese texture, return assembled subs to the oven briefly. Don’t forget this step for maximum satisfaction.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the bourbon BBQ sauce separate if possible to maintain texture.

Freezing Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

• Freeze unassembled subs in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Wrap each individual sub tightly with plastic wrap before placing them in a bag.

Reheating Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake wrapped subs for about 15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or sauce to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs.

Can I use chicken instead of turkey bacon?

Yes, you can substitute turkey bacon with regular bacon or even omit it for a lighter version.

How do I make Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your BBQ sauce is also gluten-free.

What other toppings can I add?

Feel free to customize with toppings like pickles, onions, or avocado for extra flavor and texture!

Can I prepare these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and freeze uncooked meatballs ahead of time for quick meals later.

How spicy is the bourbon BBQ sauce?

The spice level depends on the brand of BBQ sauce used. Choose a mild version if you prefer less heat!

Final Thoughts

These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are not only quick and easy but also bursting with flavor! Customize them with your favorite toppings or sauces, making them a versatile choice for any meal. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!