Description
Bourbon BBQ Beef Cheeseburger Meatball Subs combine juicy, seasoned meatballs with smoky bourbon BBQ sauce and melted cheese, all nestled in a soft toasted sub roll. A comforting, indulgent meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 sub rolls or hoagie rolls
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice)
- Pickles, onions, or other toppings (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan cheese, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Form into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 18-20 minutes until fully cooked (160°F internal temperature).
- For the bourbon BBQ sauce, combine barbecue sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, toss them in the bourbon BBQ sauce to coat evenly.
- Slice sub rolls and toast in the oven for 3-5 minutes. Place 3-4 meatballs inside each toasted roll. Spoon extra BBQ sauce over the meatballs and top with a slice of cheddar cheese.
- Return the subs to the oven and bake for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Serve hot, garnished with pickles, onions, or other toppings of your choice.
Notes
- For added spice, add hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the BBQ sauce.
- Feel free to use a different cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique twist.
- For a vegetarian option, use plant-based ground beef or meatless meatballs.
- Customize the subs with caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or lettuce for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sub
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
