Here’s the full recipe for your Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subs — bold, cheesy, and guaranteed to be a hit!

Bourbon BBQ Meatball Subsn

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef (or beef/pork mix)

½ cup breadcrumbs

1 large egg

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the Bourbon BBQ Sauce:

1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

¼ cup bourbon whiskey

2 tbsp ketchup

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)

For Assembly:

4 hoagie/sub rolls, split and lightly toasted

1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese

1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Make the Meatballs

In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Mix until just combined (don’t overmix). Roll into 1-inch balls.

2. Cook the Meatballs

Heat a skillet with a little oil over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides (about 5–6 minutes). They don’t need to cook through yet. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Bourbon BBQ Sauce

In the same skillet, add BBQ sauce, bourbon, ketchup, Worcestershire, brown sugar, vinegar, and chili flakes. Stir and bring to a simmer.

4. Simmer Together

Add browned meatballs into the sauce. Cover and simmer 15 minutes until meatballs are fully cooked and coated in sticky, smoky sauce.

5. Assemble Subs

Place meatballs into toasted rolls. Spoon extra sauce on top.

Sprinkle with mozzarella/provolone cheese. Place under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until melty and bubbly.

6. Serve

Garnish with red onion slices and fresh parsley. Serve hot, with napkins ready!