What are bourbon BBQ bacon cheeseburger meatball subs made of?

They’re made from juicy ground beef meatballs blended with cheddar cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon, and coated in a sweet, tangy bourbon BBQ sauce. These are served on toasted sub rolls with melty provolone, making each bite rich, cheesy, and satisfying. The result is a comfort-packed BBQ meatball sub with bacon and cheese that everyone loves.

Can I make Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs Subs Ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the meatballs and sauce up to 3 days ahead. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble and toast the subs just before serving for that fresh-baked texture. These easy bourbon BBQ meatball sandwiches are perfect for make-ahead meals or next-day leftovers.

What kind of bourbon works best for BBQ sauce?

Use a mid-range bourbon like Bulleit, Jim Beam, or Wild Turkey. They offer a bold flavor without being overpowering. Avoid ultra-sweet or ultra-smoky bourbons, as they may throw off the sauce’s balance. A smooth, oaky profile works best for crafting flavorful bourbon bacon cheeseburger meatballs.

How do you keep Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger meatball subs from getting soggy?

Toast the rolls first, and spread a barrier like garlic butter or mayo inside. Add cheese beneath the meatballs for an extra layer of protection. Always serve extra sauce on the side. These tips ensure your cheesy bacon BBQ meatball subs stay crisp and delicious from the first bite to the last.

Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs: The 5-Star Recipe for Ultimate Comfort

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
Salt and pepper, to taste
10–12 slices thick-cut bacon
1 cup BBQ sauce (preferably molasses-based)
2–3 tbsp bourbon (Bulleit, Wild Turkey, or Jim Beam)
6–8 hoagie/sub rolls
6–8 slices provolone cheese
2 tbsp melted garlic butter or mayo for bread

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
In a bowl, mix ground beef, cheddar, onion, mustard, Worcestershire, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper.
Form into 1.5-inch meatballs. Wrap each meatball with half a slice of bacon.
Place on the rack and bake for 20–25 minutes, until bacon is crispy and meatballs are cooked through.
While meatballs bake, simmer BBQ sauce and bourbon together on low for 10 minutes to thicken.
Toss baked meatballs in the bourbon BBQ sauce to fully coat.
Slice sub rolls, brush insides with garlic butter or mayo, and lightly toast in oven.
Add 3–4 meatballs per roll, top with provolone, and return to oven to melt cheese (about 5 minutes).
Serve hot with extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

To keep bread from getting soggy, always toast and use a barrier like cheese or mayo.
For spicier flavor, add jalapeños or chipotle BBQ sauce. These subs also reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American