Bourbon BBQ Beef Bacon Meatball Subs

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Some recipes come from a craving you just can’t shake. For me, it was one cold Saturday afternoon when the kids were out sledding. I wanted something hearty, saucy, and smoky that could warm them up the second they walked in.

I had ground beef, a pack of beef bacon, and a jar of smoky BBQ sauce on hand. The bourbon? That was a little splash from my non-alcoholic bourbon bottle I keep for cooking. Thirty minutes later, the kitchen smelled like a BBQ joint and the table was set for what’s now one of our favorite winter comfort foods — Bourbon BBQ Beef Bacon Meatball Subs.

What is Bourbon BBQ Beef Bacon Meatball Subs?

They’re warm, crusty sub rolls loaded with tender beef meatballs, smoky beef bacon, melted cheese, and a rich BBQ sauce with a bourbon twist. Every bite hits sweet, smoky, tangy, and savory notes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bold flavor without being too spicy
  • Pork-free but still smoky and satisfying
  • Perfect for game days, family dinners, or casual gatherings
  • Make-ahead friendly for busy nights
  • Melty, cheesy comfort food in every bite

Tips for Making the Best Meatball Subs

  • Use a mix of breadcrumbs and egg to keep meatballs tender.
  • Cook beef bacon until crisp for the best texture.
  • Warm the rolls before assembling so cheese melts quickly.
  • Toss meatballs in sauce just before serving for fresh flavor.

How to Make Bourbon BBQ Beef Bacon Meatball Subs

Tools You’ll Need:

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Large skillet
  • Saucepan
  • Tongs

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Sauce:

  • 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce
  • ¼ cup non-alcoholic bourbon (or apple juice)
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (pork-free version)

For Assembly:

  • 6 slices beef bacon, cooked until crisp
  • 4 hoagie rolls
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Set to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. Mix meatballs: In a bowl, combine beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Shape & bake: Roll into 1 ½-inch balls and place on baking sheet. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until cooked through.
  4. Make sauce: In a saucepan, combine BBQ sauce, bourbon (or substitute), honey, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes.
  5. Combine: Add baked meatballs to sauce, tossing to coat.
  6. Assemble subs: Place crisp beef bacon slices inside each hoagie roll, top with saucy meatballs, sprinkle with cheese, and place under the broiler for 1–2 minutes to melt cheese.
  7. Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

You Must Know

  • Non-alcoholic bourbon still gives that deep, caramel-like flavor.
  • Crisp beef bacon adds a smoky crunch.
  • Broiling melts cheese fast without overcooking the bread.

Top Tips for Perfecting This Recipe

  • Toast the rolls before adding fillings to keep them from getting soggy.
  • Make extra sauce for dipping — it’s that good.
  • For extra heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Storing and Reheating Tips

  • Store meatballs and sauce separately from bread to prevent sogginess.
  • Reheat meatballs gently on the stovetop in sauce.
  • Assemble fresh before serving.

Helpful Notes

  • Mini versions make excellent party sliders.
  • Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and rolls if needed.
  • Sharp cheddar works as a cheese swap for a bolder taste.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

  • Michael Symon often layers texture by adding crisp bacon to saucy sandwiches.
  • Sunny Anderson uses honey in BBQ sauce to balance tangy flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overmixing meatball mixture — leads to tough texture.
  • Using cold rolls — warm them for the best melt and mouthfeel.
  • Adding bacon before broiling — it can burn.

FAQs

Can I make Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs without alcohol?
Yes. Use apple juice, non-alcoholic bourbon, or a mix of apple cider and vanilla extract for similar depth.

What type of meat works best for meatballs in subs?
80/20 ground beef is juicy and flavorful, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken.

Can I use beef bacon instead of pork bacon?
Yes, and it tastes amazing here while keeping the recipe pork-free.

What’s the best bread for meatball subs?
Soft hoagie rolls that hold the sauce without falling apart.

Can I make these subs ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the bread separate until serving to avoid sogginess.

Conclusion

These Bourbon BBQ Beef Bacon Meatball Subs are the kind of meal that make a winter evening feel cozy and full. They’re hearty, saucy, and full of sweet-smoky flavor — the kind of sandwich that makes you plan a second helping before you’ve finished the first.

Print
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Bourbon BBQ Beef Bacon Meatball Subs

  • Author: Kelly Merritt
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 subs 1x
Print Recipe

Description

Hearty subs filled with tender beef meatballs, smoky beef bacon, melted cheese, and a sweet bourbon BBQ sauce. Perfect for cozy nights or game day gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup non-alcoholic bourbon (or apple juice)
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (pork-free)
  • 6 slices beef bacon, cooked until crisp
  • 4 hoagie rolls
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, combine beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
  3. Roll into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place on baking sheet. Bake for 15–18 minutes until cooked through.
  4. In a saucepan, combine BBQ sauce, bourbon (or substitute), honey, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer on low for 5 minutes.
  5. Add baked meatballs to the sauce and toss to coat.
  6. Place crisp beef bacon slices in each hoagie roll, top with saucy meatballs, sprinkle with cheese, and broil for 1–2 minutes until melted.
  7. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Tip: Keep meatballs and sauce separate from rolls until serving to prevent sogginess. Add honey after cooking sauce for a richer sweetness.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking & Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sub
  • Calories: 580
  • Sugar: 16
  • Sodium: 1300
  • Fat: 28
  • Saturated Fat: 12
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 50
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 30
  • Cholesterol: 105

Keywords: bourbon bbq meatball subs, beef bacon subs, smoky meatball sandwiches, sweet and smoky subs

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