There’s something undeniably fun and comforting about a meatball sub—but when you load it with crispy bacon, melty cheddar, and a smoky bourbon BBQ glaze, you take that comfort to a whole new level.

These Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are juicy, cheesy, saucy, and perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to game day gatherings.

Why I Love This Recipe

Combines the best of meatballs, cheeseburgers, and BBQ in one epic sandwich

Great for game day, tailgates, or casual dinners

Easy to make ahead and reheat

Kid-approved and adult-adored

Customizable with different cheeses or sauces

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Ground Beef (80/20) – The fat adds flavor and keeps the meatballs juicy.

Breadcrumbs & Egg – Essential for binding the meatballs together.

Garlic, Onion, Paprika – A trifecta of bold flavor in every bite.

Bourbon BBQ Sauce – Sweet, smoky, with just a hint of kick.

Cheddar Cheese – Melts beautifully over hot meatballs.

Crispy Bacon – Adds crunch and smoky depth.

Sub Rolls – Soft on the inside, lightly crisped on the outside.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Don’t overmix the meat mixture—just until it holds together.

Use a small cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs.

Browning the meatballs adds texture and flavor—don’t skip it!

Toast the rolls to prevent sogginess when adding saucy meatballs.

Want spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne or use a spicy BBQ sauce.

How to Make Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs

Step 1: Preheat your oven

Set it to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment or foil for your rolls later.

Step 2: Make the meatball mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Mix with your hands or a spoon just until combined—don’t overwork it.

Step 3: Form the meatballs

Shape into 1.5-inch balls.

You should end up with about 16–20 meatballs, depending on size.

Step 4: Brown the meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Sear the meatballs on all sides, about 5–7 minutes.

They should be browned but not fully cooked through.

Step 5: Simmer in bourbon BBQ sauce

Pour the BBQ sauce over the meatballs, reduce the heat to low, and let them simmer for 10 minutes.

Stir gently to coat all the meatballs in that saucy goodness.

Step 6: Toast the rolls

While the meatballs simmer, slice the sub rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through.

Place them open-side-up on the baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 5 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 7: Assemble the subs

Fill each roll with 4–5 meatballs and spoon a little extra sauce on top.

Step 8: Add cheese and bacon

Sprinkle about ¼ cup shredded cheddar over each sub and top with 2 slices of crispy bacon (break into pieces if needed).

Step 9: Melt the cheese (optional)

Pop the assembled subs back into the oven for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese is melty and irresistible.

Step 10: Serve and enjoy

Serve warm with extra bourbon BBQ sauce for dipping or drizzling!

What to Serve It With

Sweet potato fries or classic waffle fries

Dill pickles or pickle spears

Coleslaw for a tangy contrast

Corn on the cob or grilled vegetables

Iced tea, root beer, or a cold craft beer

Variations / Substitutions

Use ground turkey or pork for a lighter or richer flavor.

Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda instead of cheddar.

Swap BBQ sauce for buffalo, teriyaki, or honey mustard for a new twist.

Make mini sliders with small buns and one meatball each.

Add caramelized onions or jalapeños for extra flair.

Storage & Leftovers

Fridge: Store meatballs and sauce separately from bread in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs (with sauce or plain) for up to 3 months.

Reheat: Warm meatballs on the stove or in the microwave; toast rolls fresh.

Meal prep tip: Prep the meatballs and bacon ahead of time, then assemble and toast right before eating.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can form and brown them a day in advance, then simmer in sauce when ready to serve.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
A bourbon BBQ sauce adds depth, but any sweet and smoky BBQ sauce works well here.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-searing?
Absolutely—bake them at 400°F for about 15–18 minutes, then simmer in sauce.

What rolls work best for this recipe?
Soft sub rolls or hoagie buns that can hold the filling without falling apart are ideal.

How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
Toasting the rolls first helps create a barrier and keeps things crisp.

Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes—use gluten-free breadcrumbs and rolls, and double-check your BBQ sauce.

What’s a good side dish to go with these?
Coleslaw, fries, mac & cheese, or even a simple green salad are great sides.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a bold, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing sandwich that hits all the right notes, these Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are calling your name.

They’re smoky, saucy, and everything a comfort food lover dreams of.

Perfect for sharing—though you may not want to.

Once you try these, I promise they’ll be on repeat. Whether it’s Sunday game day or a weeknight craving, this recipe delivers every time.

The Boat Shed Kitchen