Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes are a delightful twist on classic flavors that everyone will love. Perfect for family dinners, game day, or casual gatherings, these subs offer juicy meatballs simmered in a sweet and smoky sauce, all topped with melty cheese and crispy turkey bacon. Quick to prepare and bursting with taste, they are sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes of cooking time, you can whip up these delicious subs without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavorful Combination: The blend of bourbon BBQ sauce and spices creates an irresistible flavor profile that elevates your typical meatball sub.
• Versatile Serving Options: These meatball subs are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a lively party.
• Kid-Friendly Appeal: With their fun presentation and rich flavors, kids will love these meatball subs as much as adults do.
• Make-Ahead Potential: Prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time for an easy weeknight meal. Just heat them up when you’re ready to serve!

Tools and Preparation

To make these Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes, gather your tools before starting. Having everything on hand will streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Measuring spoons
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A good skillet helps brown the meatballs evenly, ensuring maximum flavor.
• Mixing bowl: An essential tool for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Baking sheet: Perfect for toasting your sub rolls to achieve that golden-brown finish.
• Tongs: Handy for flipping meatballs without breaking them apart during cooking.

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Ingredients

To create these Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes, gather the following ingredients:

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
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce and Toppings

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

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

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare the meat mixture.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

Using your hands:
– Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter (approximately 16-20 meatballs).

Step 4: Brown the Meatballs

In a large skillet over medium heat:
– Heat the olive oil.
– Add the meatballs in a single layer; work in batches if necessary.
– Brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes total.

Step 5: Simmer with Sauce

Once browned:
– Return all meatballs to the skillet.
– Pour in the bourbon BBQ sauce, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir gently from time to time.

Step 6: Toast Sub Rolls

While waiting for the meatballs:
– Slice each sub roll lengthwise without cutting all the way through.
– Place on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes until golden brown.

Step 7: Assemble Your Subs

After simmering:
– Place 4-5 meatballs inside each toasted roll and spoon extra sauce over them.
– Top with ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese and break up two slices of crispy Turkey Bacon over each sub.

Step 8: Melt Cheese (Optional)

For extra-melty cheese:
– Return assembled subs to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes until cheese is fully melted.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve immediately with extra bourbon BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs!

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

These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are deliciously satisfying and can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or preparing a family dinner, the following serving suggestions will take your meal to the next level.

For a Crowd

• Buffet Style: Arrange the meatball subs on a large platter, letting guests build their own with extra toppings and sauces available.

With Dipping Sauces

• Extra Bourbon BBQ Sauce: Serve additional bourbon BBQ sauce on the side for those who love an extra kick of flavor with each bite.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley or Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh herbs over the finished subs for a pop of color and freshness that enhances the flavor profile.

Accompanied by Pickles

• Dill Pickles: Serve crunchy dill pickles alongside the subs for a tangy contrast that complements the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.

With Coleslaw

• Creamy Coleslaw: A side of coleslaw adds crunch and creaminess, balancing out the rich flavors of the meatball subs perfectly.

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

Achieving the perfect Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your subs are delicious every time.

• Use Lean Beef: Opt for ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juicy meatballs without excess grease.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix your meatball ingredients gently. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs; you want them tender.
• Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to tweak spices according to your taste preferences—add cayenne for heat or more smoked paprika for depth.
• Toast the Rolls: Toasting your sub rolls enhances their texture, making them crispy on the outside while soft inside, perfect for holding all those tasty fillings.
• Layer Ingredients Wisely: Place cheese under turkey bacon on each sub to ensure it melts perfectly and binds everything together.
• Let Them Rest: Allow meatballs to rest in the sauce after cooking. This helps infuse flavors into every bite.

Best Side Dishes for Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

Pairing side dishes with your Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs can elevate your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options that complement these flavorful subs beautifully.

1. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet counterbalance to savory flavors; bake or fry until golden brown.
2. Garden Salad: A light garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers provides freshness and crunch alongside hearty subs.
3. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob smothered in butter adds sweetness and pairs well with BBQ flavors.
4. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad offers a classic touch that goes hand-in-hand with any barbecue dish; make it tangy or herbed based on preference.
5. Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans bring out similar flavors as the bourbon BBQ sauce, creating a harmonious meal experience.
6. Macaroni Salad: A chilled macaroni salad adds a creamy element that balances spicy or smoky notes from the subs.
7. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies like zucchini and bell peppers provide a healthy option packed with flavor.
8. Chips & Guacamole: Tortilla chips served with fresh guacamole create a fun snack that’s great for dipping before diving into those hearty subs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the Browning Step: Failing to brown the meatballs can lead to a lack of flavor. Always brown them in a skillet before simmering in sauce for depth.
• Overmixing the Meat Mixture: Mixing too much can make the meatballs tough. Combine just until ingredients are moistened for tender meatballs.
• Not Toasting the Rolls: Skipping this step can result in soggy subs. Toasting enhances texture and prevents the rolls from getting too soft.
• Ignoring Cheese Melting Tips: If you want extra-melty cheese, consider returning assembled subs to the oven briefly. This ensures that cheese is gooey and delicious.
• Using Non-Suitable Containers for Storage: Store leftovers in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Avoid using containers that allow air exposure.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• • Containers: Use airtight containers to keep subs fresh and prevent moisture loss.

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

• • Duration: Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
• • Containers: Wrap each sub individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.

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

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat subs wrapped in foil for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes or until warm, but be cautious of sogginess.
• Stovetop: Place subs in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid, and warm slowly for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs.

What can I use instead of turkey bacon?

You can substitute turkey bacon with crispy chicken bacon or omit it entirely if desired.

How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?

Meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked.

Can I make Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce beforehand, then assemble just before serving.

What sides pair well with these subs?

Pair with coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor. They offer great versatility; feel free to customize them by adding different cheeses or toppings. Try them today for a satisfying meal that everyone will love!