When lunchtime hits and my stomach starts making dramatic protest noises, I know it’s time for something that delivers big flavor without much hassle. That’s where these Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs come in. They’re messy in the best way, loaded with smoky bacon, cheesy goodness, and a bourbon-kissed BBQ glaze that clings to each meatball like it’s trying to win a hug contest. You know how some recipes promise to be quick but end up chaining you to the stove? This one respects your time and your cravings. We’re talking minimal prep, fast bake, and maximum saucy satisfaction. The whole thing screams easy lunch recipes, but it’s also sneaky enough to pass for game-day snacks or impress-the-neighbors BBQ food. And yeah, you might not expect something that feels this indulgent to check boxes like 5 minutes recipes, easy bbq recipes, or even flirt with Whole 30 lunch ideas—but guess what? With a few tweaks (hello, lettuce wraps), we’ve got options. Whether you’re dreaming of recipes bbq or just want chicken wrapped in bacon baked into something magical, this recipe’s got your back.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Recipe
3) Ingredients for Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
4) How to Make Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
5) Tips for Making Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
6) Making Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
8) Try these Lunch recipes next!
9) Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

You can prep the meatballs in advance and freeze them.
This recipe works well for casual lunch gatherings and quick weeknight dinners.
Great balance of sweet, smoky, and savory with easy-to-find ingredients.
Pairs beautifully with crispy fries, coleslaw, or pickles on the side.

2) Easy Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Recipe

This sandwich doesn’t pretend. It’s big, saucy, and loud about being delicious. We start with meatballs that pack in everything you crave in a classic cheeseburger, from sharp cheddar to crispy bacon. When those go for a swim in bourbon-laced BBQ sauce, something just clicks. Like, “Where have you been all my lunch breaks?”

We’ve all had dry subs or meatballs that don’t hold their shape. This recipe fixes both. The bread is toasted to a crisp edge, the cheese melts into every crevice, and that glossy BBQ coating holds it all together. I make these for lazy Sunday lunches or those random Wednesdays when cereal just won’t cut it.

We love a good excuse to eat with our hands, don’t we? Especially when it involves easy lunch recipes that leave us licking our fingers clean. This sub earns its keep with every bite. It’s everything BBQ wants to be—meaty, sweet, tangy, just enough heat—and fits neatly into our everyday lineup.

3) Ingredients for Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs

Ground Beef: Choose a blend with a bit of fat for tender, juicy meatballs. Lean works too, but they might dry out a little faster.

Breadcrumbs: Helps bind everything together and keeps the meatballs from getting too dense. Use panko if you want more texture.

Egg: A standard meatball MVP. Holds it all in place without stealing the spotlight.

Garlic Powder: Adds that mellow savory note without overpowering the beef.

Salt and Pepper: Don’t skip this. They’re the base for good flavor in anything you cook, including easy lunch recipes like this one.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese: We want the good stuff. Sharp, melty, and bold enough to fight through BBQ sauce and bacon.

Bacon: Cook it first, chop it up, and toss it in. It’s smoky and salty and adds a bit of bite to every meatball.

BBQ Sauce: Pick your favorite. Sweet, smoky, spicy, or all three. This is where most of the personality comes from.

Bourbon: Adds depth and a warm kick to the sauce. It cooks off, but you’ll taste that bold note in the background.

Hoagie Rolls: Toasted is best. They need to stand up to all that saucy goodness without falling apart.

Butter: Optional, but let’s be real—it’s not optional. Toasting your rolls in butter makes a world of difference.

Extra Cheese Slices: Layer on top for full-on cheeseburger vibes. Who’s gonna argue with more cheese?

4) How to Make Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment so cleanup’s a breeze.

Step 2. In a big bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, salt, pepper, cheddar, and cooked bacon. Mix just until it holds together.

Step 3. Form into meatballs. Try to keep them uniform so they cook evenly. Think golf ball-sized.

Step 4. Bake for about 15 to 18 minutes. You want them cooked through and slightly golden on the outside.

Step 5. Meanwhile, heat BBQ sauce and bourbon in a small saucepan. Simmer for five minutes to blend flavors and thicken it up a bit.

Step 6. Toss those meatballs right into the sauce and coat every side. This part smells incredible. Try not to sneak too many.

Step 7. Toast your hoagie rolls in a skillet with butter. Golden edges mean they’ll hold together better.

Step 8. Load each roll with saucy meatballs and top with a slice of cheese. Let it melt for a few seconds from the heat.

Step 9. Serve warm with a handful of napkins. This isn’t the time for tidy bites. It’s a full-flavor mess in the best way.

5) Tips for Making Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs

Mix gently. Overworking the meat will make the meatballs dense. Just bring it together with your hands, and stop when it holds shape.

Use a cookie scoop. Sounds silly, but it helps keep your meatballs the same size, which means they bake evenly. Small things like that make easy lunch recipes even easier.

Try different BBQ sauces. I’ve used everything from spicy chipotle to honey-maple blends. Every version gives a new twist without extra work.

Toasting the rolls matters. It creates a barrier against the sauce, keeping your bread from turning soggy halfway through the sandwich.

If you’re skipping bourbon, that’s fine. Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to your sauce for some depth and that same smoky vibe.

6) Making Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ahead of Time

Let’s say you want to serve these at a weekend lunch or save them for a weeknight rush. You can totally prep the meatballs ahead. Mix, shape, and freeze them raw—or bake them first, cool, and stash them in the fridge for a few days.

Reheat them in the oven or a skillet and glaze them with the sauce fresh. The sauce keeps in a jar in the fridge too. Just reheat it gently to loosen it up before using.

Even the hoagie rolls can be split and buttered ahead of time. Toast them just before serving so they’re crisp and warm. It’s one of those whole 30 lunch ideas that flexes to your timing.

7) Storing Leftover Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs

Got leftovers? Wrap the meatballs and rolls separately. Keep meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Rolls stay good for two if stored well.

To reheat, warm meatballs on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Toast the bread again so it doesn’t feel stale.

This dish is surprisingly friendly to leftovers. Great for repacking as sliders or tossing on a salad. It even makes it into my rotation of 5 minutes recipes when I just microwave what’s left and eat it over rice.

8) Try these Lunch recipes next!

9) Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Recipe