Description
These Bourbon BBQ Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are the ultimate family-friendly dinner. Juicy beef meatballs glazed in a smoky bourbon BBQ sauce, topped with melted cheddar and tucked into toasted rolls — the perfect combination of burger and meatball sub flavors in one delicious sandwich.
Ingredients
**For the meatballs:** 1 1/2 lbs (680g) ground beef (85/15 blend) 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs 1/4 cup (60ml) milk 1 egg 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder **For the bourbon BBQ sauce:** 1 cup (240ml) barbecue sauce 1/4 cup (60ml) bourbon 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon smoked paprika **For assembly:** 4–6 sub rolls 1 1/2 cups (150g) shredded cheddar cheese 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional) Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit 1 minute, then add ground beef, egg, Parmesan, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix gently until combined. 2. Shape into golf ball-sized meatballs and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes until cooked through. 3. Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk BBQ sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, Worcestershire, and smoked paprika. Simmer 5 minutes to thicken slightly. 4. Toss cooked meatballs in the bourbon BBQ sauce to coat. 5. Toast sub rolls lightly, brushing with melted butter if desired. 6. Fill rolls with meatballs, sprinkle with cheddar cheese, and broil 1–2 minutes until cheese melts. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. • Swap cheddar for provolone, mozzarella, or pepper jack. • Skip the bourbon and just use BBQ sauce for a family-friendly version. • Add toppings like pickles, caramelized onions, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Sandwiches
- Method: Baking, Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sub
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: bourbon bbq cheeseburger meatball subs, beef recipes for dinner, diy food recipes, burger recipes, creative beef recipes