Bourbon BBQ Turkey turkey bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

These Bourbon BBQ Turkey turkey bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes are perfect for game day, family gatherings, or any quick weeknight dinner. Imagine juicy meatballs simmered in a sweet and smoky bourbon BBQ sauce, nestled in toasted sub rolls with melty cheddar cheese and crispy turkey bacon. These subs combine classic burger flavors into a deliciously portable meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 30 minutes, these meatball subs are perfect for busy nights.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of bourbon BBQ sauce and spices creates a mouthwatering taste that is hard to resist.
• Customizable: Feel free to switch up the toppings or sauces to suit your taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these hearty subs, making them ideal for family meals.
• Comfort Food Delight: Nothing beats the satisfying experience of biting into a cheesy, meaty sub packed with flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To create these scrumptious Bourbon BBQ Turkey turkey bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A sturdy skillet is vital for browning the meatballs evenly, ensuring they have a great texture.
• Baking Sheet: Perfect for toasting the sub rolls without taking up too much space in your oven.
• Mixing Bowl: Necessary for combining ingredients while keeping everything organized during preparation.

Ingredients

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 the Sauce and Assembly

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

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

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you need to toast your sub rolls later.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
1. Ground beef
2. Breadcrumbs
3. Egg
4. Garlic powder
5. Onion powder
6. Smoked paprika
7. Salt
8. Black pepper

Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should yield approximately 16-20 meatballs.

Step 4: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot:
– Add the meatballs in a single layer.
– Brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes total (they don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage).

Step 5: Simmer with Sauce

After browning, return all meatballs to the skillet:
– Pour bourbon BBQ sauce over them.
– Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring gently from time to time.

Step 6: Toast the Sub Rolls

While the meatballs are simmering:
– Slice each sub roll lengthwise without cutting all the way through.
– Place them on a baking sheet and toast in your preheated oven for about 5 minutes until they are golden brown.

Step 7: Assemble Your Subs

Once the meatballs are ready:
– Place 4-5 meatballs inside each toasted roll.
– Spoon extra sauce over them if desired.
– Top with shredded cheddar cheese and crispy turkey bacon slices (break them into smaller pieces if you like).

Step 8: Melt the Cheese (Optional)

For an extra-melty finish:
– Return assembled subs to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes until cheese is fully melted.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve immediately with extra bourbon BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your Bourbon BBQ Turkey turkey bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs!

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

Serving Bourbon BBQ Turkey turkey bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs is all about enhancing the flavors and creating a delightful experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Flavorful Toppings

• Pickled Jalapeños: Add a spicy kick with pickled jalapeños on top of the meatballs.
• Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado slices add richness and balance the BBQ flavor.

Fresh Accompaniments

• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can provide crunch and freshness, complementing the savory subs.
• Crispy Potato Chips: Serve with a side of crunchy potato chips for a satisfying texture contrast.

Dipping Sauces

• Extra Bourbon BBQ Sauce: Keep extra sauce on the side for dipping, enhancing the flavor with each bite.
• Ranch Dressing: A cool ranch dressing can be a delicious pairing for those who enjoy creamy dips.

How to Perfect Bourbon BBQ Turkey turkey bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

Perfecting your Bourbon BBQ Turkey turkey bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs can take your meal to the next level. Here are some helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh herbs and spices for a more vibrant flavor.
• Don’t Overmix the Meat: Gently combine ingredients to keep meatballs tender.
• Adjust Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it longer after adding to the meatballs.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for varied flavors.
• Toast Rolls Lightly: Ensure rolls are just toasted enough to hold up without becoming too hard.

Best Side Dishes for Bourbon BBQ Turkey turkey bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

Pairing sides with your Bourbon BBQ Turkey turkey bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs enhances your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some great options:

1. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add a hint of sweetness that pairs well with BBQ flavors.
2. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob sprinkled with butter provides a fresh, summery touch.
3. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft garlic breadsticks offer a buttery complement to these hearty subs.
4. Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with seasonal greens brings brightness and balance to your plate.
5. Baked Beans: Rich and smoky baked beans make for a classic accompaniment that enhances any BBQ meal.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa add nutritional value while being visually appealing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Bourbon BBQ Turkey turkey bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs, it’s easy to overlook key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

• Skipping the Browning Step: Failing to brown the meatballs can lead to a less flavorful dish. Always brown the meatballs in a skillet before adding the sauce.
• Overmixing the Meatball Mixture: Mixing too much can make the meatballs tough. Combine ingredients gently until just mixed for tender meatballs.
• Using Stale Breadcrumbs: Old breadcrumbs can affect the texture. Ensure your breadcrumbs are fresh for optimal flavor and consistency.
• Not Toasting the Rolls: Skipping this step might result in soggy subs. Toasting enhances flavor and helps hold up against the sauce.
• Ignoring Sauce Quantity: Not using enough sauce can dry out your subs. Generously spoon extra sauce over meatballs for maximum flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Make sure the meatballs are cooled completely before sealing.

Freezing Bourbon BBQ Turkey turkey bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

• Place cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Wrap individual subs tightly in plastic wrap before freezing for best results.

Reheating Bourbon BBQ Turkey turkey bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake wrapped subs for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet with a splash of water, cover, and heat on low until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Bourbon BBQ Turkey turkey bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs.

How do I make Bourbon BBQ Turkey turkey bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes?

These delicious subs can be made by preparing seasoned meatballs, browning them, simmering in BBQ sauce, and serving on toasted rolls topped with cheese and turkey bacon.

Can I use different meats for these meatball subs?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey can be great alternatives if you’re looking for lighter options while still enjoying amazing flavors.

What sides go well with these Bourbon BBQ Turkey turkey bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs?

Consider pairing them with coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a simple salad to balance out the meal’s richness.

How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to two months if properly sealed.

Final Thoughts

Bourbon BBQ Turkey turkey bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor. This recipe offers plenty of room for customization—feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add toppings like jalapeños or avocado. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!