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Bourbon BBQ Cheeseburger Meatball Subs

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Juicy cheeseburger-style meatballs coated in smoky bourbon BBQ sauce and topped with melted cheddar inside toasted sub rolls. These hearty sandwiches are bold, savory, and perfect for casual dinners or game-day meals.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 sandwiches

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup bourbon BBQ sauce
  • 4 sub rolls
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1½ inches in diameter (approximately 12 meatballs).
  4. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet with space between them.
  5. Bake for 15–18 minutes until fully cooked and lightly browned.
  6. While the meatballs bake, warm the bourbon BBQ sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  7. Transfer the cooked meatballs to the saucepan and toss gently until fully coated in the sauce.
  8. Slice the sub rolls lengthwise and toast them in the oven for about 3 minutes.
  9. Place three meatballs inside each roll and spoon extra sauce over the top.
  10. Add a slice of cheddar cheese on top of the meatballs.
  11. Return the sandwiches to the oven for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.
  12. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter version.
  • Pepper jack cheese can replace cheddar for extra heat.
  • Add sautéed onions or grilled mushrooms for more flavor.
  • Mix a tablespoon of honey into the BBQ sauce for a slightly sweeter taste.
  • Store leftover meatballs separately from the bread to prevent soggy rolls.
  • Cooked meatballs can be frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Find it online: https://cooksplash.com/bourbon-bbq-cheeseburger-meatball-subs/