Bacon + Bourbon Meatball Subs

overhead picture of a sandwich on a metal plate next to strips of cooked bacon

This is NOT your same old meatball sub, y'all. Homemade meatballs are slow simmered in a homemade bourbon sauce and topped with savory bacon and melted provolone. Served on a toasted sub roll.

5 from 3 votes

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Prep Time 45 mins

Cook Time 45 mins

Total Time 1 hr 30 mins

Course Sandwich

Cuisine American

Servings Meatball Subs

Calories 842 kcal

Ingredients

2 pounds lean ground beef 80/20
1 onion small, finely diced
2 eggs lightly beaten
1 cup bread crumbs
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper divided
1 tablespoon olive oil plus for brushing sandwich rolls
4 cloves garlic minced
2 cups ketchup
1 cup bourbon good quality
½ cup brown sugar light or dark
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons hot sauce more or less to taste, I used Frank's Red Hot
1 teaspoon Liquid Smoke Seasoning
8 sub sandwich rolls split
8 ounces provolone cheese sliced
12 slices bacon cooked
mixed greens

Instructions

First, make the meatballs. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a broiler pan or wire rack (placed over a larger pan to catch the drippings). Set aside.
In a large bowl, using your hands, combine the ground beef, onion, eggs, bread crumbs, salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
When the mixture is well combined, portion meatballs into 2 inch sized balls, rolling lightly between your hands. Arrange in an even layer on the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes.
While the meatballs are baking, heat the oil in a large skillet. Saute the garlic until golden.
Next, whisk in ketchup, bourbon, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce, liquid smoke, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.
Bring to a low boil, stirring frequently. Add the meatballs to the bourbon sauce. Reduce to a simmer, over, and cook for 15 minutes.
Slice the sub sandwich rolls. Brush lightly with oil and on the top half, top with sliced provolone cheese. Arrange on a baking sheet and toast the buns in the oven until golden and the cheese is melted.
To assemble, place fresh greens on the bottom sandwich roll. Add 3 or meatballs. Spoon sauce over the meatballs.
Top with cooked bacon slices and the cheesy top sandwich roll. Dig in!

Nutrition

Serving: 1Meatball Sub with sauce, bacon, cheese, greensCalories: 842kcalCarbohydrates: 72gProtein: 46gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 153mgSodium: 1834mgPotassium: 833mgFiber: 2gSugar: 29gVitamin A: 629IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 338mgIron: 6mg

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