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

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will love, let me introduce you to my favorite go-to recipe: Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes. This dish brings all the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a fun sub sandwich that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends. Imagine juicy meatballs simmered in a sweet-smoky BBQ sauce, nestled in soft toasted rolls, topped with gooey cheddar cheese, and crispy turkey bacon—what’s not to love?

Every bite is packed with flavor, and the best part? You can whip these up in just half an hour! Whether it’s game day or just another Tuesday night, these meatball subs are sure to impress your loved ones. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: You can have these tasty subs ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the savory flavors and fun presentation.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prep the meatballs earlier in the day, so dinner is a breeze when you’re ready to eat.
• Flavorful Twist: The bourbon BBQ sauce adds a unique touch that elevates these meatball subs beyond the ordinary.
• Customizable: It’s easy to tweak ingredients based on your family’s preferences or what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something truly special. You likely have many of these on hand already!

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 Assembly

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some ideas to switch things up:

• Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Change up the cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a smoky flavor.
• Add veggies: Sneak in some finely chopped spinach or bell peppers into the meat mixture for extra nutrition.
• Switch the sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce or even a homemade version if you’re feeling adventurous!

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

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your sub rolls will be perfectly toasted and golden by the time everything else is ready.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your meatballs tender.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

Now it’s time to shape our flavorful mixture into meatballs! Aim for about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 16-20 meatballs from this batch—perfect for stuffing into those sub rolls!

Step 4: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add your meatballs in a single layer. Browning them on all sides (about 5-7 minutes total) creates delicious flavor through caramelization.

Step 5: Simmer with Sauce

Once browned, return all meatballs to the skillet. Pour over that luscious bourbon BBQ sauce and reduce heat to low. Let them simmer for about 10 minutes while occasionally stirring gently. This step allows those flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Toast Your Sub Rolls

While those meatballs are simmering away, slice your sub rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Place them on a baking sheet and toast them in your preheated oven for about 5 minutes until they’re golden brown—a little crunch adds so much!

Step 7: Assemble Your Subs

Now comes the fun part! Place about 4-5 meatballs inside each toasted roll and spoon extra sauce over them. Don’t be shy; we want every bite packed with flavor!

Step 8: Add Cheese and Bacon

Top each sub with approximately ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese and two slices of crispy Turkey Turkey Bacon. If you’d like an extra-cheesy experience (who wouldn’t?), break up the bacon pieces before adding them.

Step 9: Melt That Cheese!

For an irresistible melty experience, return your assembled subs back to the oven for another 2-3 minutes until that cheese is fully melted.

Step 10: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve immediately with additional bourbon BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven—so gather your loved ones around and dig in!

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

Creating these delicious meatball subs is a breeze, especially when you keep these pro tips in mind!

• Use lean ground beef: Choosing an 80/20 ratio not only keeps the meatballs juicy but also helps to avoid excess grease, making your subs more enjoyable and flavorful.

• Don’t overmix the meatball mixture: Gently combining the ingredients ensures tender meatballs. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture, so just mix until everything is incorporated.

• Simmer for flavor: Allowing the meatballs to simmer in the bourbon BBQ sauce enhances their taste, allowing them to soak up that sweet-smoky goodness. It’s a step you won’t want to skip!

• Toast your rolls: Toasting the sub rolls adds a delightful crunch, creating a contrast with the soft, saucy meatballs. A little extra texture can make all the difference in your overall experience.

• Customize toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Adding sliced jalapeños for heat or fresh herbs for brightness can elevate your subs even further.

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

Presenting these Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs is all about making them look as good as they taste. Here are some ideas to serve them up beautifully!

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Pickled red onions: These add a tangy crunch that complements the rich flavors of the meatballs and BBQ sauce perfectly.
• Sliced avocado: Creamy avocado slices can give an extra layer of richness and balance out the savory elements.

Side Dishes

• Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, sweet potato fries provide a satisfying contrast and a hint of sweetness that pairs well with BBQ flavors.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing offers freshness and balances out the heaviness of the subs.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob brushed with a bit of butter complements the smoky BBQ notes while adding a fun touch to your meal.
• Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans are a classic side that works beautifully with BBQ dishes. Their rich flavor enhances each bite of your meatball sub.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to create an unforgettable meal that will impress friends and family alike! Enjoy every bite of these scrumptious Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious subs throughout the week without spending hours in the kitchen.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Keep the sub rolls separate to maintain their freshness.

Freezing

• Place fully cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be stored for up to 3 months.
• You can also freeze extra bourbon BBQ sauce separately.

Reheating

• To reheat, thaw frozen meatballs and sauce overnight in the refrigerator.
• Heat the meatballs and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 10 minutes.
• For a quick option, microwave them in short intervals, stirring in between.
• Toast sub rolls in the oven before assembling if desired.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you out!

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

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative. Just adjust cooking times slightly as turkey may cook faster than beef.

How long does it take to make Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes?

This recipe is designed to be ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights when you crave comfort food!

Can I make these meatballs without breadcrumbs?

Yes! You can substitute breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or oats. This will still give you a nice texture while keeping it gluten-free if needed.

What type of cheese works best with these meatball subs?

While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, feel free to try pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for that gooey stretchiness!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy creating these Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs as much as I do! They are not only quick to prepare but also pack all those comforting flavors we love. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a game day feast, these subs are sure to impress. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your delightful creations!