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Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs

Tender, juicy meatballs coated in sweet and smoky bourbon BBQ sauce, nestled in toasted hoagie rolls, topped with melted cheese and crisp bacon—these hearty subs are the perfect blend of comfort and flavor.
Calories:
Author: Sandra Myers

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 4 hoagie rolls
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices cooked bacon chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until just combined. Shape into 12 meatballs.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the meatballs on all sides until browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer to the baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
  • Warm the bourbon BBQ sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer for 2 minutes.
  • Split and lightly toast the hoagie rolls. Place 3 meatballs in each roll, spoon over extra sauce, then top with shredded mozzarella or cheddar and sprinkle with chopped bacon. Broil for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
  • Drizzle with remaining sauce and serve hot while the bread is warm and the cheese is gooey.