Here’s a detailed Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs recipe — rich, smoky, sweet, and packed with flavor. This recipe includes everything: homemade meatballs, a bold bourbon BBQ sauce, and assembly tips for the ultimate sub.
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🍖 Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs Recipe
🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes
🕒 Cook Time: 40 minutes
🍽 Servings: 4 large subs (or 6 smaller ones)
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🧾 Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 is ideal)
½ lb (225g) ground pork (adds richness)
½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or plain)
⅓ cup grated Parmesan
1 large egg
2 tbsp milk
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp dried oregano
For the Bourbon BBQ Sauce:
1 cup ketchup
⅓ cup bourbon (e.g., Jim Beam or Maker’s Mark)
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Subs:
4 sub rolls (toasted lightly)
1½ cups shredded mozzarella or provolone
Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Butter or olive oil (for toasting rolls)
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🔪 Instructions
1. Make the Meatballs:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
2. In a large bowl, combine beef, pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, milk, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, onion powder, and oregano.
3. Mix gently with hands or a spoon until just combined — don’t overwork it.
4. Form into 1½-inch meatballs (about golf ball size). You should get 20–24 meatballs.
5. Place on baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes until cooked through and browned.
2. Make the Bourbon BBQ Sauce:
1. While meatballs bake, combine all sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning — add more sugar for sweetness or vinegar for tang.
3. Coat the Meatballs:
1. Once meatballs are baked, transfer them to the saucepan with BBQ sauce.
2. Toss to coat thoroughly and let simmer together for 5–10 minutes so they absorb flavor.
4. Toast the Rolls:
1. Slice rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through.
2. Lightly butter the insides and toast them on a skillet, grill pan, or under the broiler until golden and crisp.
5. Assemble the Subs:
1. Spoon 4–5 meatballs into each roll.
2. Top with shredded mozzarella or provolone.
3. Place under broiler for 1–2 minutes to melt cheese (optional but recommended).
4. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onion.
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🔄 Variations:
Make it spicy: Add chipotle peppers or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
Use turkey: Swap ground beef/pork for ground turkey for a leaner option.
Cheese it up: Add a slice of provolone under the meatballs and shredded cheese on top for extra gooeyness.
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🧊 Storage & Reheating:
Meatballs in sauce: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Meatballs and sauce freeze well for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Gently warm meatballs in sauce on the stove or microwave. Toast rolls fresh for best texture.
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Want a printable version or meal prep guide? Just let me know!