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 a delightful twist on classic flavors, perfect for game day, family dinners, or casual get-togethers. With juicy meatballs simmered in sweet and smoky bourbon BBQ sauce, each bite is filled with comfort and satisfaction. The combination of melty cheddar cheese and crispy Turkey Turkey Bacon nestled in toasted sub rolls makes these subs a standout dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: These meatball subs can be ready in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The sweet-smoky bourbon BBQ sauce elevates the taste, giving you a unique flavor experience.
• Versatile Serving Options: Great for parties, casual gatherings, or even as a fun family meal.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: Juicy meatballs and crispy bacon create a satisfying texture that’s sure to please.
• Easy Cleanup: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, cleanup is a breeze.

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Tools and Preparation

To make your Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet
• Baking sheet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooking spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients without any mess.
• Skillet: Perfect for browning meatballs evenly while providing great heat control.
• Baking sheet: Essential for toasting sub rolls to achieve that golden brown finish.

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 Cooking and Topping

• 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

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the sub rolls will toast perfectly while you prepare the meatballs.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl:
1. Combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

Form the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. Aim for approximately 16-20 meatballs to fill those tasty subs.

Step 4: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a 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 yet.

Step 5: Simmer with BBQ Sauce

Once browned:
– Return all the meatballs to the skillet.
– Pour bourbon BBQ sauce over them.
– Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Toast Sub Rolls

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

Step 7: Assemble Your Subs

For assembly:
1. Place 4-5 meatballs inside each toasted roll.
2. Spoon extra sauce over them generously.
3. Top with ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese and two slices of crispy Turkey Turkey Bacon (broken if desired).

Step 8: Melt Cheese (Optional)

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

Step 9: Serve

Serve immediately with additional 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 your Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs is all about enhancing the flavors and creating a memorable meal experience. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your dish.

Pair with Fresh Salads

• Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy coleslaw complements the rich flavors of the meatballs.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crisp romaine add a nice texture contrast.
• Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad with vegetables can balance the heaviness of the subs.

Add Dipping Sauces

• Extra Bourbon BBQ Sauce: Serve additional sauce on the side for those who love extra flavor.
• Ranch Dressing: A cool ranch dip can offer a delightful contrast to the warm meatball subs.
• Hot Sauce: For spice lovers, a few dashes of hot sauce can kick things up a notch.

Garnish Your Subs

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Pickles: Adding pickles provides a tangy crunch that pairs well with the rich meatballs.

Offer Beverage Pairings

• Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of iced tea can complement the smoky flavors beautifully.
• Craft Beer: A hoppy craft beer offers a perfect balance to the richness of the dish.

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

To make your Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs even better, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Lean Ground Beef: Opting for an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio ensures juicy meatballs without excess grease.
• Don’t Overmix Ingredients: Combine ingredients just until blended to keep meatballs tender and avoid toughness.
• Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak spices based on your taste preferences; more smoked paprika adds depth!
• Toast Rolls Properly: Ensuring your rolls are golden brown adds texture and enhances overall flavor.
• Experiment with Cheeses: Try different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for smokiness.
• Make Ahead: Prepare meatballs in advance and freeze them; simply reheat with bourbon BBQ sauce when ready to serve!

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

Complementing your Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs with sides can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some tasty side dish ideas.

1. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory subs.
2. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brings a fresh, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with BBQ dishes.
3. Baked Beans: Smoky baked beans provide heartiness and enhance the overall barbecue theme of the meal.
4. Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad is a classic side that balances out bold flavors nicely.
5. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies offer color, nutrition, and a hint of charred flavor alongside your subs.
6. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy chips paired with zesty salsa make for an easy, flavorful starter before diving into the main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs can be simple, but avoiding some common mistakes will help ensure they turn out perfectly.

• Overmixing the meat: Mixing the meat too much can lead to tough meatballs. Combine ingredients gently until just mixed.
• Skipping the browning step: Browning the meatballs adds flavor. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the taste of your subs.
• Using stale breadcrumbs: Stale breadcrumbs won’t bind well and can affect texture. Always use fresh breadcrumbs for best results.
• Neglecting to toast the rolls: Toasting enhances flavor and texture. Make sure to toast your sub rolls for a better overall experience.
• Forgetting about cheese melting: Not melting cheese on top can make the dish less appealing. Add cheese back to the oven briefly for a delicious melt.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

• Place subs in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm on a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs.

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

Follow the recipe closely, preparing all ingredients ahead of time and using pre-cooked bacon for quicker assembly.

Can I substitute ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, using ground turkey will give a lighter option while still maintaining great flavor with bourbon BBQ sauce.

What sides pair well with these meatball subs?

Consider serving them with sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a light salad for balance.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep and cook them in advance, then store them as described earlier.

Final Thoughts

These Bourbon BBQ Turkey Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are not only quick but also incredibly satisfying. The combination of savory flavors and gooey cheese makes them perfect for family dinners or game days. Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or sauces!