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

If you’re looking for a delightful family meal that’s both quick and comforting, you’ve come to the right place! These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes are not just a meal; they’re an experience. Imagine sinking your teeth into juicy meatballs coated in a sweet-smoky sauce, all nestled in a warm, toasted sub roll. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a fun Saturday gathering with friends.

What makes this recipe truly special is how simple it is. With just a few wholesome ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these delicious subs ready in no time. Plus, the combination of turkey bacon and cheddar cheese takes classic flavors to new heights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want something delicious.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves meatballs! These subs are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike, making dinner stress-free.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time, which allows for easy assembly when you’re ready to serve.
• Flavor Packed: The bourbon BBQ sauce adds a unique twist that elevates these meatball subs into something truly memorable.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home or your family’s preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients! This recipe uses everyday items that you might already have in your pantry or fridge. Together, they create those mouthwatering Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs!

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 and Toppings

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 sub rolls
• 8 slices crispy Turkey Turkey Bacon

Variations

This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to make it your own! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Swap the Protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option that still packs great flavor.
• Change the Cheese: Try pepper jack or mozzarella cheese for a different taste experience!
• Add Veggies: Toss in some chopped bell peppers or onions into the meatball mixture for added nutrition and crunch.
• Go Gluten-Free: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.

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 get perfectly toasted while you prepare everything else.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and 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 roll! Form the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should have around 16-20 meatballs. Making them uniform helps them cook evenly.

Step 4: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the meatballs in batches if necessary. Brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. This step adds flavor through caramelization and keeps them juicy inside!

Step 5: Simmer with BBQ Sauce

Once browned, return all meatballs to the skillet. Pour bourbon BBQ sauce over them and reduce heat to low. Let them simmer for about 10 minutes while occasionally stirring gently. The sauce will infuse flavor into every bite!

Step 6: Toast Your Sub Rolls

While your meatballs are simmering away, slice each sub roll 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

Place 4-5 meatballs inside each toasted roll and spoon extra sauce over them—because who doesn’t love more sauce?

Step 8: Add Cheese and Bacon

Top each sub with about ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese and add two slices of crispy Turkey Turkey Bacon (breaking them into pieces if desired). This cheesy goodness will melt beautifully!

Step 9: Final Melting Action

For extra-melty perfection, return the assembled subs back to the oven for another 2-3 minutes until everything is hot and bubbly.

Step 10: Serve with Extra Sauce

Serve immediately with additional bourbon BBQ sauce on the side for dipping—your friends and family won’t be able to resist!

Enjoy these Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs as much as I do! They’re sure to become a favorite at your dinner table too!

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

Creating these delicious meatball subs is a breeze with a few handy tips to ensure they come out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices can enhance the flavor of your meatballs, making them more aromatic and delicious. Freshness matters in bringing out the best taste in your dish.

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: When browning your meatballs, work in batches if needed. This helps achieve a nice crust on each meatball, locking in moisture and flavor.

• Adjust BBQ sauce to taste: If you prefer a sweeter or spicier kick, feel free to customize the bourbon BBQ sauce. Tailoring it to your preference ensures that every bite is just right for you!

• Cheese alternatives: For those wanting to avoid dairy, try using a plant-based cheese alternative. It melts beautifully and keeps the hearty comfort of the dish intact.

• Prep ahead: You can prep the meatballs and even cook them in advance. Just reheat them in the sauce before serving to save time on busy weeknights!

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

These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are not only tasty but also visually appealing! Presenting them well can elevate your dining experience.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that complements the rich flavors beautifully.
• Pickles: Sliced pickles on top or as a side bring a tangy crunch that contrasts nicely with the savory meatballs and creamy cheese.

Side Dishes

• Sweet potato fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a delightful sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the smoky BBQ flavors. Plus, they add vibrant color to your plate!
• Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw made from cabbage and carrots tossed in a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the subs.
• Corn on the cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob brushed with herb butter brings an earthy sweetness that enhances the overall meal experience.
• Mixed green salad: A light mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers dressed lightly allows for a refreshing contrast against the hearty subs.

Enjoy bringing this delightful, comforting dish to your table!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make them in advance and enjoy them throughout the week, making dinner time a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Keep the subs assembled separately from the meatballs to prevent sogginess.
• If you have extra BBQ sauce, store it in a small container alongside the meatballs.

Freezing

• To freeze, place cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen meatballs to a zip-top freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
• You can also freeze the BBQ sauce separately if you like!

Reheating

• For best results, reheat meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
• You can also microwave them in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
• If reheating assembled subs, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and cheese is melted.

FAQs

If you have some questions about this delightful recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I make Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and BBQ sauce in advance. Just store them separately until you’re ready to assemble your subs for quick meals all week long.

What can I serve with Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs?

These tasty subs pair wonderfully with a side salad or some crispy sweet potato fries. You could also serve them alongside coleslaw for a refreshing crunch!

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you want a leaner option. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed since turkey can cook faster than beef.

How do I make these Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs spicier?

You can add crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture before forming the meatballs. For an extra kick, try using spicy BBQ sauce!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs as much as I do! They bring together incredible flavors that are sure to please everyone at your table. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a fun weekend gathering, these subs are bound to be a hit. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to savor this delightful recipe—happy cooking!