Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs

Alright, ladies (and gents who’ve wandered in), let’s talk about a flavor bomb that’ll blow the socks off your average weeknight dinner: Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs. Just the name alone feels like a hug from the inside, right?

Imagine this—tender, juicy meatballs laced with smoky spices, swimming in sticky bourbon BBQ sauce, topped with crispy bacon and melted cheddar, all snuggled inside a warm toasted sub roll. Yeah… I’m drooling too. Whether you’ve got hungry teens to feed or just need something indulgent after a long day of life-ing, this recipe is your new best friend.

If your family cheers louder for dinner than for football, don’t be surprised—it happens every time I make these.

Why You’ll Love This Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Recipe

These meatball subs are the definition of indulgent comfort food, but they’re still super doable—even on a Wednesday. Here’s why I keep them in heavy rotation:

• All-in-one meal: Protein, cheese, carbs, sauce, DONE.
• Big flavor, low fuss: You’ll get smoky, sweet, savory, crispy, and gooey all in one bite.
• Customizable: Add pickles, onions, or even a little slaw if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Crowd-pleaser: This dish never gets a “meh.” Trust me.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep it simple. You probably have half of this on hand already:

• 1 lb ground beef (go for 80/20 for juiciness)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade—your call!)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 sub rolls (soft but sturdy)
• 8 slices crispy bacon (cook it your way, no judgment)

How to Make Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs

This recipe looks impressive, but I promise it’s all about simple steps and big results.

1. Prep Like a Pro

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). You know the drill—get it nice and hot so your rolls can toast to perfection later.

2. Mix the Meatball Magic

In a large bowl, toss in your ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and all the spices: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix with your hands just until combined. Pro tip: Don’t overmix—your meatballs like a light touch.

3. Form Those Beauties

Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. You’ll get about 16 to 20. Try to keep them even so they cook uniformly (and you avoid the dreaded “tiny meatball nobody wants”).

4. Sear for Flavor

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides—about 5–7 minutes total. They don’t have to be fully cooked yet. This step is just about locking in flavor.

5. Simmer in Bourbon BBQ Bliss

Pour the bourbon BBQ sauce over the browned meatballs, reduce heat to low, and let them simmer for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally so they’re all coated in that sweet, smoky goodness.

6. Toast Those Rolls

While your meatballs are soaking up the sauce, slice your sub rolls lengthwise (but not all the way through—you want a hinge!). Toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes until they’re golden and slightly crisp.

7. Assemble the Flavor Tower

Add 4–5 meatballs into each roll, spoon some extra sauce over the top, and sprinkle with shredded cheddar. Finish with two slices of crispy bacon (break into pieces if you like a better bite).

8. Melt & Serve

Pop the assembled subs back into the oven for 2–3 minutes to get that cheese all ooey-gooey. Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Because you’re worth it.

Aneta’s Tips for Meatball Magic

Here’s a few tricks I’ve learned from making these a lot:

• Make ahead: You can prep the meatballs in the morning and refrigerate until dinnertime. Saves precious evening minutes!
• Use a cookie scoop: For evenly sized meatballs (and less mess).
• Spice swap: Want heat? Add a dash of cayenne or use a spicy BBQ sauce.
• No sub rolls? These meatballs are amazing over mashed potatoes too. Just saying.

A Little Backstory…

This recipe was actually born out of a happy accident. I had leftover meatballs, bacon from brunch, and a lonely bottle of bourbon BBQ sauce begging to be used. I tossed it all together into a sub roll… and wow. My kids now request this meal at least once a week. Even my picky eater (who thinks cheese is “too gooey”) devours these without a single complaint. Mom win, right?

FAQs About Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs

Let’s Wrap It Up (Pun Intended)

There you have it: Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs that are equal parts comforting, crave-worthy, and crazy delicious. Whether you’re making dinner for your family, your partner, or just you and a glass of wine, this recipe guarantees happy bellies and full hearts.

Next time you’re stuck in that “What should I make tonight?” loop, remember this cheesy, bacon-y, saucy hero of a meal. You deserve it.

Ready to make magic in your kitchen? Let’s get cookin’! 🧡

Follow me on Chicken Magic Recipes for more comforting chicken dishes, flavor-packed dinners, and a few happy accidents that turned into favorites.

Related Recipes to Try Next

Looking for more irresistible recipes to add to your rotation? If you loved the Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs, you’re in for a treat. Here are a few more comfort-packed, flavor-bursting dishes from Chicken Magic Recipes that pair perfectly with your meatball mood. These internal links not only expand your culinary options but also enhance your meal planning with complementary flavors and textures.

• Craving a cheesy, handheld bite? Don’t miss the Loaded Burger Bowl—it’s the perfect low-carb cousin to your meatball sub, minus the bun but full of punch.
• Looking for another BBQ-style crowd-pleaser? Try these BBQ Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kabobs. They bring sweet, smoky, and savory vibes—just like your meatballs but with a tropical twist.
• For those days when you want to lean into creamy indulgence, whip up the Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. It’s cozy, slow-cooked, and makes the whole house smell like a warm hug.
• In the mood for something baked and cheesy with a meaty core? You’ll love the Stuffed Italian Meatloaf. It’s like a cousin to your meatballs—rich, saucy, and totally satisfying.

Bookmark these recipes and bring more magic into your kitchen. Because when one dish hits the spot, why not ride the flavor wave a little longer?

Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs

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• Author: Aneta
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 subs 1x

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Description

Juicy, cheesy, and loaded with smoky flavor, these Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food! Perfectly browned meatballs simmered in bourbon BBQ sauce, topped with crispy bacon and melty cheddar, all tucked into toasted sub rolls. This crowd-pleasing sandwich is a delicious twist on your classic meatball sub.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 4 sub rolls

• 8 slices crispy bacon

• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

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

3. Form mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs (about 16–20 total).

4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5–7 minutes.

5. Return all meatballs to skillet if needed, pour in bourbon BBQ sauce, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring gently.

6. While simmering, slice sub rolls lengthwise, keeping a hinge. Toast in the oven for 5 minutes until golden.

7. Fill each toasted roll with 4–5 meatballs and spoon extra sauce over top.

8. Add ¼ cup shredded cheddar and 2 slices of crispy bacon per sub.

9. Return to oven for 2–3 minutes to melt cheese.

10. Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side, if desired.

Notes

Want a spicy kick? Add a dash of cayenne to your meatball mix or use spicy BBQ sauce.
Don’t overwork your meat mixture—keep it light for juicy meatballs!
These meatballs are also amazing over mashed potatoes or rice if you want to skip the bun.
For meal prep, cook and freeze the meatballs in sauce. Toast the rolls and reheat when ready to serve.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Sandwiches
• Method: Stovetop + Oven
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sub
• Calories: 760 kcal
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 1020 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg