Hey, y’all! It’s your girl, Chef Max, coming at you with an epic recipe that’s about to blow your mind. We’re talkin’ BBQ bacon stuffed meatball subs that are so insanely delicious, they’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise!
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Bacon Stuffed Meatball Subs
These meatball subs are the ultimate in flavor and texture, with a juicy, savory meatball stuffed with smoky, salty bacon and slathered in a tangy, sweet BBQ sauce. The soft, pillowy bun provides the perfect canvas for this flavor explosion, making it a truly sensational and irresistible dish. This recipe is a massive crowd-pleaser that will have your friends and family begging for more.
Ingredients
To make these incredible BBQ bacon stuffed meatball subs, you’ll need a few key ingredients, including ground beef, bacon, breadcrumbs, eggs, BBQ sauce, and slider buns. The combination of these flavor-packed elements is what makes this dish so mind-blowingly delicious.
- 1 lb – Ground beef
- 8 slices – Bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 1/2 cup – Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 – Eggs, beaten
- 1 cup – BBQ sauce, plus more for serving
- 12 – Slider buns, split in half
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground beef: Ground turkey or chicken (for a lighter twist)
- BBQ sauce: Honey mustard or spicy chipotle (to suit your taste)
How to Make BBQ Bacon Stuffed Meatball Subs
These meatball subs are shockingly easy to throw together, and the result is a flavor-packed, irresistible dish that’s sure to wow your crew.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by crisping up some delicious bacon until it’s perfectly golden and crispy. Drain the bacon on paper towels, then crumble it into small pieces. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and a few tablespoons of the BBQ sauce. Mix everything together until well-incorporated.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Using your hands, shape the beef mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in size. Press a piece of the crumbled bacon into the center of each meatball, encasing it completely. Arrange the stuffed meatballs on a baking sheet and bake them in the oven at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, until they’re cooked through and slightly charred on the outside.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the meatballs are done, it’s time to assemble the subs. Slice the slider buns in half and toast them until they’re golden and crispy. Place a few of the hot, juicy meatballs on the bottom half of each bun, then smother them in the remaining BBQ sauce. Top with any desired toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced onions, or pickles, and finish with the top buns.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Cheesy Twist: Add a melty slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese on top of the meatballs before assembling the subs.
- Heartier Sandwich: Swap out the slider buns for full-sized hoagie rolls for a more substantial sub.
- Veggie Boost: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions into the meatball mixture.
- Flavor Explosion: Try using a spicier or more complex BBQ sauce, like a bourbon-based or chipotle-infused variety.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a crisp side salad, creamy coleslaw, or perfectly baked fries.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven.
Reheat: For the ultimate texture, we recommend reheating the subs in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are hot and the buns are crispy. You can also reheat individual subs in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake and assemble the subs. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before baking for the best texture.
Nutrition Information
These BBQ bacon stuffed meatball subs are definitely an indulgent treat, but they’re also packed with protein from the ground beef and bacon. Each serving contains approximately 400 calories, 20 grams of fat, and 30 grams of protein, making them a satisfying and filling meal option.
- Serving Size: 1 sub
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to keep the meatballs from falling apart?
The key to keeping the meatballs together is to not overmix the beef mixture. Gently combine the ingredients until they’re just incorporated, and be careful not to overwork the meat.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake and assemble the subs. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before baking for the best texture.
What’s the best way to reheat the subs?
For the ultimate texture, we recommend reheating the subs in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are hot and the buns are crispy. You can also reheat individual subs in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Definitely! While ground beef is the classic choice, you can absolutely substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How spicy are these subs?
The level of spice in these subs will depend on the type of BBQ sauce you use. If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for a sweet and tangy sauce. For a kick of heat, go for a smoky chipotle or bourbon-based BBQ sauce.
Try These Next
- Smoked Cheddar Bacon Stuffed Meatballs
- Bbq Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Jalapenos With Ranch Drizzle
- Smoky Bbq Bacon Wrapped Meatballs With Tangy Sauce
BBQ Bacon Stuffed Meatball Subs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Mains
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These BBQ Bacon Stuffed Meatball Subs are a delicious and hearty meal perfect for any occasion. Juicy meatballs stuffed with gooey cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon, all served in a soft sub roll with tangy BBQ sauce.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb bacon, chopped
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
4 sub rolls
1 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped bacon, mozzarella cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix until well combined and form into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While meatballs are baking, warm the BBQ sauce in a saucepan over low heat.
6. Once meatballs are done, remove from oven and let cool slightly.
7. Slice the sub rolls and place 2-3 meatballs in each roll, drizzling BBQ sauce over the top.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add chopped jalapeños to the meatball mixture.
Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sub
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: meatballs, BBQ, bacon, subs