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 traditional burgers. Perfect for game day, casual dinners, or a fun family meal, these subs deliver a burst of flavor in every bite. With juicy meatballs coated in bourbon BBQ sauce, melty cheddar cheese, and crispy turkey bacon, they offer an irresistible combination of taste and texture that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: These meatball subs are ready in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of bourbon BBQ sauce and seasonings creates a rich and smoky flavor that elevates your average meatball.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve these subs at parties, as a weekday meal, or anytime you crave comfort food.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these hearty sandwiches filled with cheesy goodness and savory meatballs.
• Easy Cleanup: With minimal dishes used in preparation, you’ll spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your meal.

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Tools and Preparation

To make these Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs effectively, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment simplifies the cooking process and ensures everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A good skillet is essential for browning the meatballs evenly for added flavor.
• Mixing bowl: This helps combine all ingredients without creating a mess.
• Baking sheet: Perfect for toasting sub rolls to achieve that ideal crispiness before filling them.
• Tongs: Handy for flipping meatballs without breaking them apart during cooking.

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

For Cooking

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce

For Assembling

• 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). This will ensure your sub rolls are perfectly toasted when you’re ready to serve.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the following ingredients:
1. Ground beef
2. Breadcrumbs
3. Egg
4. Garlic powder
5. Onion powder
6. Smoked paprika
7. Salt
8. Black pepper

Mix gently until just combined; avoid over mixing to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 3: Form Meatballs

Form the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 16-20 meatballs.

Step 4: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat:
– Add meatballs in a single layer.
– Brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.

Step 5: Simmer with BBQ Sauce

Once browned, return all meatballs to the skillet:
– Pour bourbon BBQ sauce over them.
– Reduce heat to low and let simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Step 6: Toast Sub Rolls

While the meatballs simmer:
– Slice sub rolls 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

Once toasted:
– Stuff each roll with 4-5 meatballs.
– Spoon extra sauce over them if desired.
– Top with shredded cheddar cheese and crispy turkey bacon pieces.

Step 8: Melt the Cheese (Optional)

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

Step 9: Serve

Enjoy immediately with additional bourbon BBQ sauce on the side for dipping!

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

These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are delicious on their own, but with the right accompaniments, you can elevate your meal to a new level. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Add a Crunchy Side Salad

• A fresh side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette pairs well with the rich flavors of the subs.

Serve with Pickles

• Tangy dill pickles provide a refreshing contrast to the savory meatballs and creamy cheese, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Pair with Sweet Potato Fries

• Crispy sweet potato fries add a touch of sweetness and texture that complements the bourbon BBQ sauce perfectly.

Offer Extra Bourbon BBQ Sauce

• Serve additional bourbon BBQ sauce on the side for dipping, allowing guests to customize their flavor experience.

Include Coleslaw

• Creamy coleslaw adds a crunchy element that balances the richness of the subs while providing a classic barbecue feel.

Top with Jalapeños

• For those who enjoy heat, sliced jalapeños can add an exciting kick that enhances the overall flavor profile of the meatball subs.

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

Getting your Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs just right is simple with a few handy tips. Follow these suggestions for perfect results every time.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh ground turkey and high-quality bacon for maximum flavor and texture in your meatballs.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients for the meatballs, mix gently to keep them tender and juicy.
• Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak spices according to your taste preferences; adding cayenne pepper or smoked paprika can enhance flavor.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on baking time for both meatballs and sub rolls to prevent overcooking.
• Customize Toppings: Get creative with toppings! Try avocado slices or different types of cheese for unique flavors.
• Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve your subs warm straight out of the oven or skillet.

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

To complete your meal featuring Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs, consider these tasty side dishes. They will complement the main course perfectly while adding variety to your table.

1. Classic Potato Chips: Crispy and salty chips offer a satisfying crunch alongside your flavorful subs.
2. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brushed with butter makes for a sweet side that pairs beautifully with barbecue flavors.
3. Baked Beans: A hearty serving of baked beans adds depth and sweetness that complements the bourbon BBQ sauce.
4. Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad provides coolness to counterbalance the warmth of the subs.
5. Roasted Vegetables: An assortment of roasted vegetables adds color and nutrition while enhancing flavors through caramelization.
6. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers a sweet contrast to savory dishes, perfect for cleansing the palate between bites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to avoid for the best results.

• Overmixing the meatball mixture – Mixing too much can lead to tough meatballs. Combine gently until just mixed.
• Skipping the browning step – Not browning the meatballs can result in less flavor. Always brown them for a richer taste.
• Using stale breadcrumbs – Stale breadcrumbs won’t bind well and can alter texture. Use fresh breadcrumbs for optimal results.
• Not toasting the sub rolls – Un-toasted rolls can become soggy and unappealing. Toast them until golden for added crunch.
• Forgetting about extra sauce – Skipping extra bourbon BBQ sauce leads to dry subs. Always spoon extra sauce over the meatballs before serving.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Ensure they are fully cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

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

• Wrap individual subs tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.

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

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap subs in foil and heat for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Microwave – Place a sub on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking often to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop – Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add subs and cover, cooking for about 5 minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitution if you want a lighter option. Just adjust seasoning as needed.

How long do these subs take to make?

Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish!

What other toppings can I add?

Feel free to customize your subs with toppings like lettuce, tomato, or pickles for added freshness and crunch.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for later enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite toppings or sauces. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal that will satisfy everyone’s cravings!