Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are a mouthwatering twist on two all-time favorites: burgers and meatball subs. Imagine juicy meatballs flavored with bacon and cheeseburger spices, all glazed with a rich bourbon BBQ sauce. These subs have layers of melty cheese, smoky bacon, and that irresistible touch of bourbon in the sauce that brings everything together.
I love making these for weekend gatherings or casual dinners when everyone wants something fun and filling. The mix of flavors is so satisfying—the smokiness from the bacon, the tangy-sweet bourbon BBQ sauce, and the gooey cheese make each bite special. I usually make a big batch and everyone always asks for seconds!
My favorite way to serve these is right out of the oven, loaded on a soft sub roll that soaks up some of the sauce but stays sturdy enough to hold all the delicious fillings. Pair them with some crispy fries or a simple salad and you’ve got an easy crowd-pleaser that always feels like a treat. I can’t wait for you to try them and see how much fun BBQ comfort food can be!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I use 80/20 for juicy, flavorful meatballs. If you want leaner, try 90/10 but add a bit of oil or bacon fat to keep them moist.
Bacon: Bacon gives smoky crunch. If you want less pork, turkey bacon or smoked sausage work well too.
Bourbon BBQ Sauce: The bourbon adds a deep flavor, but you can swap it out for a regular BBQ sauce or add a splash of apple cider vinegar for tang.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts nicely here, but Monterey Jack, smoked gouda, or mozzarella are great alternatives for different tastes.
Breadcrumbs & Milk: They keep the meatballs tender. Use panko for a lighter texture or gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
How Do I Make Meatballs Tender and Flavorful?
Making tender meatballs takes a light touch and the right mix of ingredients.
- Don’t overmix the meat with the other ingredients to avoid tough meatballs.
- Use breadcrumbs soaked in milk to add moisture.
- Add flavor with spices like smoked paprika and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cook bacon first and include some fat for extra taste and juiciness.
- Bake instead of frying to cook evenly without drying out.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for cooking meatballs evenly in the oven without extra oil.
- Skillet – use it to crisp up bacon and sauté onions for more flavor.
- Mixing bowl – roomy enough to mix meatball ingredients gently without overworking the meat.
- Measuring cups and spoons – helps keep your seasoning and sauce amounts just right.
- Small saucepan – for warming the bourbon BBQ sauce smoothly without burning.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to lighten the meatballs while keeping great taste.
- Add diced jalapeños or chili flakes to the meat for a spicy kick.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a little extra heat and creaminess.
- Stir in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro into the meat mixture for freshness.
How to Make Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20)
- 6 slices bacon, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup onion, finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For The Sauce & Assembly:
- 1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 sub rolls or hoagie buns
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, 15-18 minutes to bake the meatballs, and another 5 minutes to assemble and melt the cheese. In total, you should plan for about 30-35 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon and Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s nice and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain, and keep the bacon fat in the skillet for added flavor.
2. Mix and Shape the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, most of the cooked bacon (save some for topping), minced onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Once everything is just mixed, shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 1/2 inches wide. Place them evenly spaced on a lined baking sheet.
3. Bake the Meatballs:
Bake your meatballs for 15 to 18 minutes until they’re cooked all the way through. They should be firm to the touch but juicy inside.
4. Warm the BBQ Sauce and Coat Meatballs:
While the meatballs bake, warm the bourbon BBQ sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring gently. When the meatballs are ready, toss them carefully in the warm sauce to coat each one completely.
5. Assemble the Subs and Melt the Cheese:
Split your sub rolls lengthwise, making sure not to cut all the way through. Place 3-4 sauced meatballs inside each roll, then sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over them.
Put the assembled subs back in the oven or under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes, just enough to melt the cheese perfectly.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Take the subs out of the oven, sprinkle on the reserved crispy bacon bits and chopped fresh parsley for a pop of flavor and color. Serve immediately and enjoy every tasty bite of your Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs!
Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the meatballs and sauce up to 2 days in advance, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat gently before assembling the subs.
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen meatballs work well—just thaw them fully in the fridge overnight or heat them directly in the warmed bourbon BBQ sauce until heated through before assembling.
What Can I Substitute for Bourbon BBQ Sauce?
If you don’t have bourbon BBQ sauce, regular BBQ sauce with a splash of bourbon or apple cider vinegar can do the trick and still deliver that tangy, smoky flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of sauce if they seem dry.