1-Getting started with Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This step sets the stage for baking those flavorful meatballs without any mess.

2-Next, in a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup finely diced onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix it gently to keep the meat tender, then form into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on the baking sheet.

3-Bake the meatballs for 15-18 minutes until they’re cooked through. While they bake, warm 1 cup bourbon BBQ sauce in a skillet over low heat to enhance its smoky flavor. Once done, move the meatballs to the skillet and toss them in the sauce for that irresistible glaze.

4-Assembling Your Subs: Now, place 4-5 meatballs in each of the 4 hoagie or sub rolls, then top with 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese and the chopped bacon from 6 slices. Arrange the subs on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles beautifully.

5-Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley if you like, and serve hot. The total prep time is about 15 minutes, with 20 minutes cooking and 3 minutes for broiling, making the whole process around 38 minutes. For more tips on making great meatballs, check out our internal guide to meatballs on the site.