BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

These BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes are a delicious twist on classic flavors. Perfect for game day, family gatherings, or a cozy night in, this recipe brings together juicy meatballs, savory BBQ sauce, and crispy turkey bacon all nestled in warm sub rolls. The combination of textures and flavors makes this dish an instant favorite for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With a total time of only 30 minutes, you can whip up these subs for a weeknight dinner or last-minute gathering.
• Flavor Explosion: The sweet-smoky BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with the savory meatballs and crispy turkey bacon, creating a taste sensation that will leave everyone wanting more.
• Customizable: You can easily modify the recipe to suit your taste by adding different cheeses or veggies to the subs.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These subs are great for feeding a group and are sure to impress with their hearty flavors and satisfying textures.
• Comfort Food Classic: Combining the joys of burgers and meatball subs makes this dish an ultimate comfort food experience.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet
• Baking sheet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for thoroughly combining ingredients without spills.
• Skillet: Provides even heating for browning meatballs perfectly before simmering them in sauce.
• Baking sheet: Ideal for toasting sub rolls evenly in the oven.

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Cooking

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup BBQ sauce

For Assembly

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 sub rolls
• 8 slices crispy Turkey Bacon

How to Make BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot enough to toast your sub rolls later.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl:
1. Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should have approximately 16-20 meatballs ready to cook.

Step 4: Brown the Meatballs

In a large skillet:
1. Heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer (brown in batches if needed).
3. Cook until browned on all sides for about 5-7 minutes total.

Step 5: Simmer with Sauce

Return all browned meatballs to the skillet:
1. Pour BBQ sauce over them.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring gently occasionally.

Step 6: Toast Sub Rolls

While the meatballs simmer:
1. Slice sub rolls lengthwise without cutting through completely.
2. Place them on a baking sheet and toast in preheated oven for about 5 minutes until golden brown.

Step 7: Assemble the Subs

For each toasted roll:
1. Place 4-5 meatballs inside.
2. Spoon extra sauce over them.
3. Top with ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese and break Turkey Bacon slices as desired before layering on top.

Step 8: Melt Cheese (Optional)

For extra melty cheese:
1. Return assembled subs to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes until cheese is fully melted.

Step 9: Serve

Serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping! Enjoy these BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs as a delightful meal that everyone will love!

How to Serve BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

These BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner. They can be customized in various ways to suit your taste and impress your guests.

Classic Presentation

• Serve the subs on a large platter, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Dipping Sauces

• Offer a variety of dipping sauces such as extra BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or spicy mustard for added flavor.

Slider Style

• Cut the sub rolls into smaller pieces to create sliders, making them easier to handle for parties or game days.

Pickled Vegetables

• Serve alongside tangy pickled vegetables to balance the richness of the meatballs and cheese.

Fresh Salad

• Pair with a light green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the savory subs.

Chips and Crunch

• Add a side of crispy potato chips or tortilla chips for an extra crunch that complements the softness of the subs.

How to Perfect BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

Perfecting these meatball subs is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish further:

• Use Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh ground beef and high-quality turkey bacon for better flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients for the meatballs, mix just until combined to keep them tender.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to add more spices like cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier kick in your meatballs.
• Toast Rolls Properly: Make sure your sub rolls are toasted until golden brown for the best texture when serving.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Consider adding chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions on top before serving for added freshness.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try different types of cheese such as pepper jack or gouda for unique flavor variations.

Best Side Dishes for BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

Pairing these delicious meatball subs with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add sweetness and crunch, making them a perfect match.
2. Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the meatballs.
3. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob brings summer vibes and pairs well with BBQ flavors.
4. Baked Beans: Hearty baked beans offer a smoky sweetness that complements the BBQ sauce beautifully.
5. Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with mixed greens keeps things light and offers a nice textural contrast.
6. Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad adds comfort and is always a crowd-pleaser alongside hearty sandwiches.
7. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables adds color, nutrition, and depth to your meal presentation.
8. Potato Salad: Classic potato salad provides creaminess and pairs well with any BBQ-inspired meal, enhancing overall satisfaction.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your meat mixture properly can lead to bland meatballs. Always measure your spices and taste as you go.
• Overmixing the meat: Mixing the ingredients too much can make your meatballs tough. Combine just until everything is incorporated for a tender texture.
• Neglecting to preheat: Failing to preheat your oven and skillet can result in uneven cooking. Always ensure that your cooking appliances are at the right temperature before starting.
• Using stale breadcrumbs: Stale breadcrumbs won’t bind well and may affect the texture of your meatballs. Use fresh breadcrumbs for best results.
• Rushing the simmer: Allowing the meatballs to simmer long enough in the BBQ sauce is crucial for flavor absorption. Don’t rush this step; simmer for at least 10 minutes.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

• Wrap each sub tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs Ready in 30 Minutes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat wrapped subs for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat subs on high for 1-2 minutes, checking often to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water, cover, and steam for about 5 minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs ready in 30 minutes?

This recipe is designed with quick prep and cooking techniques that allow you to enjoy these delicious subs within half an hour.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative that will still give you juicy meatballs while being lower in fat.

How do I customize my BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs?

Feel free to add toppings like pickles, onions, or avocado for extra flavor and texture. You can also try different cheeses!

Can I make these subs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time, then assemble and bake just before serving.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs encompass everything we love about comfort food—juicy flavors, melty cheese, and crispy bacon all nestled in toasted bread. This recipe is not only quick but also versatile; you can customize it with your favorite toppings or even switch up the meats. Give it a try; your taste buds will thank you!