Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

If you’re looking for a dish that brings comfort and joy to the dinner table, then these Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes are just what you need! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting friends and family. The combination of juicy meatballs simmered in a sweet-smoky barbecue sauce, combined with melty cheese and crispy turkey bacon, creates a meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s quick to whip up, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

What makes this recipe even more special is its versatility — you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Whether it’s game day or a cozy family dinner, these flavorful subs are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep Time: With just 30 minutes needed from start to finish, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending all night in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves meatballs and cheesy subs! This dish is a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the meatballs in advance for an easy throw-together meal later in the week.
• Irresistible Flavor: Sweet-smoky barbecue sauce paired with savory turkey bacon takes these subs to the next level.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to mix and match ingredients based on your family’s preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is part of the fun! These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Let’s dive into what you’ll need for these delightful Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs.

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

For Cooking and Topping

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 sub rolls
• 8 slices crispy Turkey Turkey Bacon

Variations

This recipe is incredibly flexible! You can easily customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal tastes. Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Change up the cheese: Try pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Add veggies: Toss in some chopped bell peppers or onions into the meatball mixture for extra nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Mix in some hot sauce or diced jalapeños for a kick!

How to Make Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before diving into cooking, make sure all your ingredients are ready. This will streamline your process and make cooking more enjoyable. The beauty of this recipe lies in how quickly everything comes together!

Step 2: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine your ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mixing gently until just combined ensures that your meatballs remain tender rather than tough. Form this mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter; aim for around 16-20 meatballs so everyone can enjoy!

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer. Browning them on all sides not only adds flavor but also gives them a beautiful color. It takes about 5-7 minutes total; they don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage since they will finish cooking later.

Step 4: Simmer with Sauce

After browning all the meatballs, return them to the skillet and pour the bourbon BBQ sauce over them. Lower the heat to let them simmer gently for about 10 minutes—this allows those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully while keeping the meat moist.

Step 5: Toast Your Sub Rolls

While those tasty meatballs are simmering away, slice your sub rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Place them on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven until golden brown—about 5 minutes works perfectly! This step adds texture and crustiness that makes each bite even better.

Step 6: Assemble Your Subs

Now comes the fun part! Place about 4-5 meatballs inside each toasted roll and spoon extra sauce over them if desired. Top each sub off with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese and two slices of crispy Turkey Turkey Bacon—broken into pieces if you like.

Step 7: Melt That Cheese!

For those extra-melty moments we all crave, pop your assembled subs back into the oven for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is gooey and melted perfectly over those hearty meatballs.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve these delicious Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs immediately with additional bourbon BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Get ready for happy smiles around your table!

Pro Tips for Making Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

Creating these delicious meatball subs is a breeze when you follow these handy tips!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices will elevate the flavor of your meatballs significantly, making them taste homemade and vibrant.
• Don’t crowd the pan: When browning the meatballs, give them some space in the skillet to ensure they brown evenly and develop that beautiful crust. This enhances both texture and flavor.
• Let the sauce simmer: Allowing the meatballs to simmer in the bourbon BBQ sauce for a full 10 minutes helps infuse each bite with rich, smoky goodness. Don’t rush this step!
• Opt for quality cheese: Using good-quality cheddar or even a blend of cheeses can make your subs extra cheesy and flavorful. A melty cheese adds a delightful creamy touch to each bite.
• Toast your rolls: Toasting the sub rolls not only improves their texture but also adds a nice crunch. This contrast between the soft meatballs and crispy bread makes for an irresistible combination.

How to Serve Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

When it comes to serving these scrumptious subs, presentation can take your meal from ordinary to extraordinary! Here are some ideas to make your dish truly shine.

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: A sprinkle of fresh green onions on top adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the meatballs.
• Pickles: Adding dill pickles on the side gives a tangy crunch that cuts through the hearty flavors, balancing out your meal perfectly.
• Fresh parsley or cilantro: Chopping up some fresh herbs not only brightens up your plate but also adds a fresh aroma that elevates each bite.

Side Dishes

• Sweet potato fries: These crispy, slightly sweet fries are a perfect match for meatball subs, providing a fun twist on classic French fries while adding extra nutrients.
• Coleslaw: A cool, crunchy coleslaw made with shredded cabbage and carrots can bring freshness to your meal and balance out the rich flavors of the subs.
• Corn on the cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a seasonal favorite that pairs beautifully with BBQ flavors, adding sweetness and crunch.
• Mixed greens salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette offers brightness and freshness alongside your hearty subs.

Enjoy making these Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs! They’re sure to become a family favorite that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are perfect for meal prep, making weeknight dinners a breeze! You can easily prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time, ensuring that a delicious meal is just moments away.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing.
• Place the meatball subs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• For best results, keep the meatballs and sub rolls separate to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the meatballs cool completely before placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can last for up to 3 months.
• You can also freeze the bourbon BBQ sauce separately if desired.

Reheating

• For refrigerated leftovers, reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
• If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and cheese is melty.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this tasty recipe!

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will work perfectly with this recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking times as turkey may cook differently than beef.

How do I make my Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs ready in 30 minutes?

To achieve that quick timeline, prep all your ingredients beforehand. While your meatballs are browning in the skillet, you can toast your sub rolls simultaneously. This multitasking will help you serve these delicious subs quickly!

What can I serve with Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs?

These hearty subs pair wonderfully with side salads, sweet potato fries, or even coleslaw for a refreshing crunch!

Can I adjust the spice level in Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs?

Definitely! Feel free to add some heat by incorporating red pepper flakes or using a spicier BBQ sauce. Tailor it to your taste!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs! They’re not just delicious but also fun to prepare and share with loved ones. Whether for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, these subs are sure to impress. Enjoy every bite and happy cooking!