Easy Lunch Recipes Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
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.
Servings: 4 subs
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp bourbon
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub buns
- 1 tbsp butter, for toasting rolls (optional)
- Extra cheese slices for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, salt, pepper, cheddar cheese, and bacon.
- Form into meatballs—somewhere between golf ball and ping pong ball size.
- Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-18 minutes until cooked through.
- While they bake, simmer BBQ sauce and bourbon in a small saucepan for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Toss baked meatballs in the bourbon BBQ sauce until nicely coated.
- Split your hoagie rolls, toast them in a skillet with butter if you’re feeling fancy.
- Load up each roll with saucy meatballs, extra cheese if desired, and maybe a little more bacon. No one’s judging.
- Serve warm with napkins nearby. You’ll need them.