burger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with burger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes—an irresistible combo of juicy ground beef meatballs, rich bourbon BBQ sauce, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon nestled into a perfectly toasted sub roll. These subs are the answer to your quick comfort food dreams, delivering all the flavor of a gourmet burger and your favorite meatball sub, without a fuss. Ideal for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or any time you want something wildly delicious in very little time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of burger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes lies in its handful of fuss-free ingredients that pack maximum flavor. Each ingredient brings something special to the party, from tenderness and juiciness to that smoky, cheesy finish everyone adores.

• Ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio): The sweet spot for juicy, flavorful meatballs that don’t dry out during cooking.
• Breadcrumbs: These bind the meatballs and help keep them tender—panko or classic both work well here.
• Egg: Acts as a binder, ensuring your meatballs hold their shape without crumbling.
• Garlic powder: Adds savory depth and that unmistakable garlic kick to each bite.
• Onion powder: Subtle sweetness and complexity without needing to chop onions!
• Smoked paprika: Infuses a hint of smoke and warmth that complements the BBQ sauce perfectly.
• Salt: Just enough to make all the other flavors pop.
• Black pepper: A touch of spice to round out the flavor profile.
• Olive oil: For browning—gives the meatballs that gorgeous, caramelized crust.
• Bourbon BBQ sauce: Smoky, sweet, and tangy; it’s the star that ties the subs together, so pick a sauce you love.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, sharp, and totally essential for that cheeseburger vibe.
• Sub rolls: Soft yet sturdy rolls that hug all the fillings without falling apart.
• Crispy bacon: Adds crunch, smokiness, and a hit of salty richness. Don’t skimp on this!

How to Make burger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Get things started by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will give you the perfect temp for quickly toasting those sub rolls and melting your cheese later, with no waiting around as you move through the rest of the burger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes recipe.

Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a roomy mixing bowl, combine your ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together, using your hands or a spoon. The trick is to combine just until things are evenly distributed—overmixing can make your meatballs dense instead of deliciously tender.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 16 to 20 meatballs—just the right size for biting into without making a mess! Keeping them uniform ensures they cook evenly and fit perfectly in your subs.

Step 4: Brown the Meatballs

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your meatballs in a single layer (don’t crowd the pan; work in batches if needed). Turn them gently to get a rich, brown sear on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes total. Browning adds tons of flavor and a hint of texture.

Step 5: Simmer with Bourbon BBQ Sauce

Once your meatballs are browned, return all of them to the skillet, then pour in your bourbon BBQ sauce. Reduce the heat to low and gently simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce seeps into the meatballs and gets sticky and glossy—a game-changer for your burger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes!

Step 6: Toast the Sub Rolls

While the meatballs simmer, slice your sub rolls along the top, being careful not to cut all the way through. Place them open-faced on a baking sheet and toast in your preheated oven for 5 minutes, until they are golden and just a little crusty. This makes the final subs extra sturdy and delicious.

Step 7: Assemble the Subs

Stuff each toasted roll with 4 or 5 meatballs, spooning some extra BBQ sauce over the top. Pile on a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese and nestle two slices of crispy bacon on each sub (break them into pieces to spread the love evenly).

Step 8: Melt the Cheese

If you want that glorious melty cheese moment, pop your assembled subs back in the oven for 2 to 3 minutes. The cheese bubbles and drapes itself over everything, helping fuse all those layers together for true sandwich bliss.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Transfer your burger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes to plates and serve immediately. Pass around extra bourbon BBQ sauce for dipping—you’ll be amazed at how fast these disappear!

How to Serve burger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

Garnishes

Take your burger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes to the next level with some creative garnishes. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions adds color and a pop of freshness, while extra crispy bacon crumbles or a few thinly sliced pickles give every bite added punch.

Side Dishes

Round out your meal with side dishes that complement the big flavors here. Classic fries or sweet potato wedges are always welcome, but a simple coleslaw or crisp green salad balances the richness and brings some crunch—and let’s be honest, more room for seconds on the subs!

Creative Ways to Present

Make burger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes extra special by serving them sliced in halves or thirds for easy sharing at parties. Wrap them in parchment and tie with kitchen twine for a picnic vibe, or plate them open-faced with a cascade of melted cheddar and a sprinkle of microgreens for a restaurant-style flourish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply wrap individual burger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days without losing their flavor or texture.

Freezing

To freeze, let the cooked meatballs cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container (hold off on assembling the subs until reheating). When ready to enjoy, just thaw, reheat, and assemble with fresh rolls and toppings—so dinner is ready in a flash!

Reheating

For best results, reheat the meatballs and sauce gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until hot. Toast your sub rolls, add bacon and cheese, then finish in the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheddar and crisp everything up, making your burger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes taste just like new.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! While ground beef brings classic cheeseburger flavor, feel free to swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative for a lighter or vegetarian twist on burger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes.

Is there a substitute for bourbon BBQ sauce?

You can use any BBQ sauce you love, with or without bourbon. For an extra kick, mix a splash of bourbon into your favorite sauce or try a smoky chipotle BBQ for something unique.

What’s the best way to cook bacon for these subs?

For maximum crispiness, bake bacon slices on a parchment-lined tray at 400°F for about 15 minutes. Or, fry them in a skillet until golden and crunchy so you’re ready to layer them in your burger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes!

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! Mix and shape the meatballs a day ahead, then chill covered in the fridge. This makes dinner prep even quicker—just brown, simmer, assemble, and your burger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes are moments away.

Do I need to toast the rolls?

Toasting the rolls isn’t mandatory, but it does add a wonderful crunch and helps the bread stand up to those saucy, cheesy meatballs so your sub doesn’t get soggy while you enjoy every bite.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for that perfect crowd-pleaser or a quick, satisfying dinner, burger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes are a flavor-packed answer you’ll want on repeat. Whether it’s your first try or your fiftieth, these subs never disappoint—so don’t wait to treat yourself and your favorite people to a meal that’s big on taste and short on time!

burger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes Recipe

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★★★★★

5.1 from 30 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-vegetarian

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Description

These Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are a flavor-packed twist on a classic sandwich. Juicy meatballs are cooked in a bourbon BBQ sauce, then nestled into toasted sub rolls with gooey melted cheddar cheese and crispy bacon. A perfect quick and satisfying meal for any day of the week!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 Assembly:

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

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
3. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter.
4. Brown Meatballs: Brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat.
5. Simmer in BBQ Sauce: Pour bourbon BBQ sauce over the meatballs, simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Toast Sub Rolls: Slice sub rolls, toast in the oven until golden brown.
7. Assemble Subs: Place meatballs in rolls, top with cheese and bacon.
8. Melt Cheese: Optionally, return subs to the oven to melt cheese.
9. Serve: Serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking, Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sub
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: Bourbon BBQ, Bacon, Cheeseburger, Meatballs, Subs, Easy, Quick, Comfort Food