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

If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table, you’ve found it! These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes are a delightful twist on classic flavors. Imagine juicy meatballs simmered in a sweet-smoky sauce, all nestled in warm, toasted sub rolls. It’s comfort food at its best, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

What I love most about these subs is how easy they are to whip up. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a hearty meal that will impress your loved ones. Plus, who can resist the combination of melty cheese and crispy turkey bacon? Trust me; this recipe will quickly become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves meatballs and cheesy goodness; it’s sure to please picky eaters!
• Make-ahead option: Prep the meatballs ahead of time and store them for an easy weeknight meal.
• Flavor explosion: The bourbon BBQ sauce adds a rich, smoky sweetness that takes these subs to the next level.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that these ingredients are simple, wholesome, and come together beautifully to create your new favorite sub! Here’s what you need to get started:

For the Meatballs

• 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

For Cooking

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce

For Serving

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 sub rolls
• 8 slices crispy Turkey Turkey Bacon

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it based on your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Change up the cheese: Try pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
• Add veggies: Toss in some finely chopped bell peppers or onions into the meat mixture for added nutrition.
• Switch the sauce: If you’re feeling adventurous, use teriyaki or sweet chili sauce instead of bourbon BBQ for a different flavor profile.

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

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your sub rolls will be perfectly toasted by the time you’re ready to assemble everything.

Step 2: Mix Your Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mixing gently until just combined is key here—overmixing can make your meatballs tough.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Form the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. This size is perfect for fitting nicely inside your sub rolls and allows them to cook evenly.

Step 4: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Browning them on all sides adds flavor and texture—it’s an important step!

Step 5: Simmer with Sauce

After browning all sides of the meatballs (about 5-7 minutes), return them all to the skillet. Pour the bourbon BBQ sauce over them and reduce heat to low. Simmering for about 10 minutes allows those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Toast Your Sub Rolls

While your meatballs are simmering away in that rich sauce, slice your sub rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Toast them on a baking sheet in your preheated oven for about 5 minutes until golden brown—this makes them sturdy enough to hold all that meaty goodness!

Step 7: Assemble Your Subs

Now comes the fun part! Place 4-5 meatballs inside each toasted roll and spoon extra sauce over them generously.

Step 8: Add Cheese and Turkey Bacon

Top each sub with ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese and two slices of crispy Turkey Turkey Bacon—feel free to break them into smaller pieces if you’d like more coverage!

Step 9: Melt That Cheese!

For extra-melty cheese goodness, pop the assembled subs back into the oven for another 2-3 minutes until everything is gooey and delicious.

Step 10: Serve with Extra Sauce

Serve immediately with additional bourbon BBQ sauce on the side for dipping—trust me; you’ll want it! Enjoy these scrumptious Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs with family and friends!

Pro Tips for Making Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

These meatball subs are not only delicious but also quick to prepare, and with a few handy tips, you can make them even better!

• Use lean ground beef: Opting for an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio ensures the meatballs stay juicy without becoming greasy. This balance helps achieve that perfect texture.

• Don’t overmix the meatball mixture: Mixing gently keeps the meatballs tender. Overworking the meat can lead to tough, rubbery bites—definitely not what we’re aiming for!

• Adjust BBQ sauce to taste: Feel free to add more or less bourbon BBQ sauce depending on your preference for sweetness and flavor intensity. It allows you to customize the dish to your liking.

• Toast the sub rolls just right: A quick toast in the oven gives your rolls a delightful crunch that holds up well against the saucy meatballs. This prevents sogginess and enhances the overall eating experience.

• Experiment with cheese: While cheddar is delicious, trying other cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey Jack can add a bit of spice and complexity to your subs. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

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

Presentation is key when serving these mouthwatering meatball subs! Stack them high on a platter, drizzle extra BBQ sauce on top, and watch everyone dig in.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that brightens up each bite.
• Sliced jalapeños: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, fresh jalapeños can bring an exciting kick.
• Pickled red onions: These tangy-sweet garnishes offer a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the subs.

Side Dishes

• Sweet potato fries: Crispy sweet potato fries complement the savory flavors of the subs while adding a touch of natural sweetness. They’re easy to bake alongside your meatballs!

• Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw made with cabbage and carrots provides a refreshing crunch that balances out the richness of the meatball subs. Opt for a vinaigrette dressing for an added zing.

• Corn on the cob: Grilled or boiled corn brushed with butter makes for a fantastic side! The sweet kernels pair beautifully with BBQ flavors.

• Vegetable sticks with ranch dip: Fresh-cut veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers served with ranch dressing offer a light contrast and additional crunch.

Now you’re all set to create these delightful Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs! Enjoy every satisfying bite in good company—happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch in advance, making weeknight dinners a breeze or prepping for a game day feast.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the meatball subs to cool completely before storing.
• Place the subs in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• For best results, freeze the meatballs separately from the buns.
• Place cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring to remove as much air as possible.
• Wrap sub rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a separate freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, thaw frozen meatballs overnight in the refrigerator.
• Heat meatballs on the stove in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through; you can add extra BBQ sauce if desired.
• Toast sub rolls in the oven or toaster oven until warm and crispy before assembling with meatballs and cheese.

FAQs

Have questions about these scrumptious Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs? Here are some answers!

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for these Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative. Just keep an eye on cooking times as ground turkey may cook faster.

What should I serve with my Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes?

These subs pair wonderfully with crispy fries, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad. Feel free to get creative!

How do I make these meatball subs gluten-free?

To make your Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your BBQ sauce is also gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs as much as I do! They’re not just delicious but also bring comfort to any meal. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a gathering with friends, these cheesy, savory delights will surely impress. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience!