Description
These Bourbon BBQ Beef Cheeseburger Meatball Subs combine juicy homemade beef meatballs infused with classic cheeseburger flavors, smothered in a smoky bourbon BBQ sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese, and served in toasted sub rolls for a hearty and comforting sandwich perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1½ lbs ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Sauce
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tbsp bourbon
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
For Serving
- 4 sub rolls
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Prepare meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Form meatballs: Shape the mixture into 16 to 20 evenly sized meatballs to ensure uniform cooking.
- Bake meatballs: Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, and bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes until cooked through.
- Make bourbon BBQ sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine barbecue sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Toss meatballs in sauce: Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them into the simmering sauce and gently toss to coat all meatballs evenly.
- Assemble subs: Cut open the sub rolls and place a generous number of the sauced meatballs inside each.
- Add cheese and melt: Top the meatballs with shredded cheddar cheese, then return the assembled subs to the oven and bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the subs from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch, and serve warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- For a milder cheese flavor, substitute cheddar with provolone or mozzarella.
- To add extra texture and crunch, lightly toast the sub rolls before assembling the sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American