Sizzling Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs (Printable View)

Juicy meatballs, bourbon BBQ sauce, cheddar, and bacon come together in crispy bakery rolls.

# Ingredient List:

→ Meatball Mixture

01 - 1 pound ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)
02 - 1 cup breadcrumbs
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Cooking & Toppings

09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
10 - 1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce
11 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
12 - 4 bakery-style sub rolls
13 - 8 slices thick-cut crispy bacon

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F to prepare for toasting the sub rolls.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix by hand until just incorporated, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
03 - Form the mixture into uniformly sized meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. Dampen hands slightly to prevent sticking and roll gently for round, cohesive meatballs. You will have approximately 16 to 20 meatballs.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer, working in batches to avoid crowding. Sear each side until a deep brown crust develops, about 2 minutes per side. Meatballs do not need to be fully cooked.
05 - Return all browned meatballs to the skillet. Pour bourbon BBQ sauce over the meatballs, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 10 minutes. Occasionally baste to ensure thorough coating and even cooking.
06 - Slice sub rolls lengthwise without cutting through fully. Place on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5 minutes, until golden and crisp.
07 - Place 4 to 5 meatballs inside each toasted roll. Spoon additional BBQ sauce over the meatballs. Top each sub with 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 2 slices crispy bacon, breaking bacon as needed for even distribution.
08 - Return the filled subs to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling. Serve immediately, accompanied by any remaining bourbon BBQ sauce for dipping.

# Supplementary Details:

01 - For best texture, avoid over-mixing the meatball mixture, and cook in batches to prevent steaming during searing.

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