Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended, or leaner if preferred)
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ to ½ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
Bourbon barbecue sauce (enough to coat the meatballs)
Sub rolls
Cheese of choice (mozzarella, cheddar, Havarti, or Swiss work well)
Crispy bacon strips
Instructions:
1. Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Shape the Meatballs
Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs using your hands or a scoop.
3. Brown the Meatballs
In a large skillet over medium heat, sear the meatballs in batches for 5–7 minutes, turning to brown all sides.
Avoid overcrowding the pan. (They don’t need to be fully cooked yet—just browned.)
4. Simmer in Barbecue Sauce
Return all the browned meatballs to the skillet.
Pour in enough bourbon barbecue sauce to coat them.
Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, allowing them to finish cooking and soak up the flavor.
5. Toast the Rolls
While the meatballs are simmering, slice the sub rolls and place them on a baking sheet.
Toast in the oven until golden brown to help prevent sogginess.
6. Assemble the Subs
Add a few finished meatballs to each toasted sub roll.
Drizzle with extra barbecue sauce.
7. Add Cheese and Bacon
Top with your choice of cheese, then place crispy bacon strips over the top.
8. Broil and Serve
Place the assembled subs under the broiler for a few minutes, just until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
Serve hot and enjoy!