Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs
These Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs are the ultimate comfort food: tender meatballs coated in sweet-smoky bourbon BBQ sauce, tucked into warm toasted rolls, topped with melty cheese and crispy bacon. Perfect for weeknights, game days, or whenever you crave something satisfying and family-friendly.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or mix of beef and pork
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce store-bought or homemade
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until just combined. Shape into 12 meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high, sear the meatballs on all sides for about 5 minutes, then transfer to the baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until cooked through (165°F / 74°C).
- Meanwhile, warm the bourbon BBQ sauce over low heat. Toss the cooked meatballs in the sauce.
- Toast the hoagie rolls, fill each with three saucy meatballs, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and top with chopped bacon.
- Broil for 1–2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly. Serve hot with extra sauce if desired.