Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs

🥖 Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs Recipe

🍽️ Servings: 4 subs

⏱️ Prep Time: 25 mins

🍳 Cook Time: 30 mins

🔥 Total Time: ~55 mins

🧆 Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)

• ½ lb (225g) ground pork (optional, can use all beef)

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• 2 tbsp milk

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

For the Bourbon BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• ¼ cup bourbon (e.g., Maker’s Mark, Bulleit, or similar)

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• Optional: pinch of chili flakes for heat

For the Subs:

• 4 sub rolls or hoagie buns

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese

• Butter (for toasting rolls)

• Optional toppings: pickled jalapeños, caramelized onions, coleslaw, fresh parsley

🧑‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Meatballs:

1. In a large bowl, mix all meatball ingredients (except olive oil) until just combined. Don’t overmix to avoid dense meatballs.

2. Form into 1½-inch meatballs (should make about 16-20 meatballs).

3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. (They don’t need to be fully cooked yet.)

4. Transfer seared meatballs to a plate and set aside.

2. Make the Bourbon BBQ Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.

2. Carefully pour in the bourbon and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to burn off the alcohol.

3. Stir in the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire, smoked paprika, and chili flakes if using.

4. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Return the meatballs to the sauce, spooning sauce over them.

6. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are fully cooked and sauce is thick and glossy.

3. Toast the Rolls:

1. Slice sub rolls lengthwise (don’t cut all the way through).

2. Lightly butter the insides and toast in a skillet or under the broiler until golden and crispy.

4. Assemble the Subs:

1. Spoon 4-5 meatballs (depending on roll size) into each toasted sub roll.

2. Top generously with shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese.

3. Optionally place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese.

4. Add optional toppings like jalapeños, onions, or slaw for extra flavor.

🍷 Pairing Suggestions:

• Drink: A cold beer, bourbon cocktail, or iced tea.

• Side dishes: Fries, potato salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables.

📝 Tips:

• Make Ahead: Meatballs and sauce can be made a day ahead and reheated.

• No bourbon? Substitute with apple juice + a splash of vanilla extract.

• Cheese alternative: Try cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda for a twist.

• Slow cooker option: After searing the meatballs, place them with the sauce in a slow cooker on low for 3-4 hours.