Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs: The Ultimate Recipe

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs – are you ready to experience the ultimate comfort food mashup? Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, toasted sub roll overflowing with juicy, flavorful meatballs that taste exactly like your favorite bacon cheeseburger. It’s a culinary dream come true, and trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one!

The concept of the meatball sub itself has humble, Italian-American roots, evolving from simple family meals into a beloved staple across the United States. But we’re taking things to a whole new level by infusing those classic flavors with the irresistible appeal of a bacon cheeseburger. Think of it as a delicious tribute to two iconic dishes, combined into one unforgettable experience.

What makes these Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs so incredibly popular? It’s the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The tender, savory meatballs, the crispy bacon, the melted cheese, and the soft, toasted bread create a symphony of sensations in every bite. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, making them ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun game-day snack, or even a crowd-pleasing party appetizer. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this innovative and utterly delicious recipe!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Meatballs:
• 1.5 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
• 8 slices Bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
• 1/4 cup Milk
• 1 Large Egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste, considering bacon is salty)
• For the Sauce:
• 1 (24 ounce) jar Marinara Sauce
• 1/2 cup Beef Broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• For the Subs:
• 6 Sub Rolls (approximately 6-8 inches long)
• 6 slices Provolone Cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
• Optional Toppings: Pickles, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Mustard, Ketchup, Mayonnaise

Preparing the Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs

Alright, let’s get started on the heart of this recipe – the bacon cheeseburger meatballs! These are seriously packed with flavor, and the bacon and cheese inside make them incredibly juicy and delicious. Trust me, you’ll want to make these again and again.

1. Cook the Bacon: The first step is to cook your bacon until it’s nice and crispy. I prefer to cook mine in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until it’s perfectly done. You can also bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until crispy. Once cooked, let the bacon cool slightly, then crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.
2. Combine the Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix Gently: This is important! You don’t want to overmix the meatball mixture, as this can result in tough meatballs. Use your hands (they’re the best tools for the job!) to gently combine all the ingredients until they are just incorporated. Be careful not to compact the mixture too much.
4. Form the Meatballs: Now, it’s time to form the meatballs. I like to use a cookie scoop to ensure they are all roughly the same size (about 1.5-2 inches in diameter). This helps them cook evenly. Gently roll the mixture between your palms to form smooth, round meatballs. Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking.

Cooking the Meatballs

There are a couple of ways you can cook these meatballs: baking or pan-frying. I’ll give you instructions for both, so you can choose your preferred method. Baking is generally easier and requires less attention, while pan-frying gives the meatballs a nice, browned crust.

Baking Method:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake the Meatballs: Place the baking sheet with the meatballs in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and no longer pink inside. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
3. Rest: Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before adding them to the sauce.

Pan-Frying Method:

1. Heat Oil in a Skillet: Heat about 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Brown the Meatballs: Carefully place the meatballs in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook them in batches. Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning them occasionally, until they are nicely browned. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
3. Cook Through: Once browned, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and no longer pink inside. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
4. Remove from Skillet: Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

Preparing the Sauce

While the meatballs are cooking, let’s get the sauce ready. This is a simple but flavorful marinara sauce that complements the bacon cheeseburger flavors perfectly. You can use your favorite store-bought marinara sauce, but I highly recommend adding these extra ingredients to elevate it.

1. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the marinara sauce, beef broth (or water), brown sugar (if using), Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together.
3. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your liking.

Assembling the Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs

Now for the fun part – assembling the subs! This is where all your hard work comes together to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

1. Add Meatballs to Sauce: Once the meatballs are cooked, gently add them to the simmering sauce. Stir to coat the meatballs evenly with the sauce. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Prepare the Sub Rolls: While the meatballs are simmering in the sauce, prepare the sub rolls. You can lightly toast them in the oven or under the broiler for a few minutes to give them a little extra texture. Be careful not to burn them!
3. Assemble the Subs: Slice each sub roll lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Open the roll and place 2-3 slices of provolone cheese (or your favorite melting cheese) inside.
4. Fill with Meatballs and Sauce: Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the meatballs from the sauce and place them inside the cheese-lined sub rolls. Spoon some of the sauce over the meatballs, making sure to get plenty of that delicious flavor.
5. Melt the Cheese (Optional): If you want the cheese to be extra melty, you can place the assembled subs under the broiler for a minute or two, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch them closely to prevent burning.
6. Add Toppings (Optional): Now, it’s time to add your favorite toppings! Some popular choices include pickles, lettuce, tomato, onion, mustard, ketchup, and mayonnaise. Get creative and customize your subs to your liking.
7. Serve Immediately: Serve the bacon cheeseburger meatball subs immediately while they are hot and delicious. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Persian Chicken recipe isn’t just another chicken dish; it’s a culinary journey to the heart of Persia, bursting with flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone looking to expand their cooking horizons and experience the magic of Persian cuisine. The combination of saffron, turmeric, lemon, and those warming spices creates a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and exciting.

Why is this Persian Chicken a must-try? Because it’s incredibly flavorful, surprisingly easy to make, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. It’s a dish that elevates the everyday chicken dinner into something truly special. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s cooking is simply divine!

But the fun doesn’t stop there! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Serve it over fluffy basmati rice, jeweled rice with dried fruits and nuts, or even alongside some warm pita bread for dipping in the delicious sauce. For a lighter meal, try serving it with a fresh cucumber and tomato salad dressed with a simple lemon vinaigrette.

Looking for variations? You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper to the marinade. For a richer flavor, try using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. The longer cooking time will render the fat and create an even more succulent and flavorful dish. You could also add some dried apricots or prunes to the stew for a touch of sweetness and a more authentic Persian flavor profile. Another great addition is a handful of barberries (zereshk), which add a delightful tartness that complements the richness of the chicken.

Don’t be intimidated by the list of ingredients – most of them are pantry staples, and the few that aren’t are easily found at most grocery stores or online. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s all about layering flavors and allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a dish that I make regularly for my family and friends, and it’s always a hit. The vibrant colors, the intoxicating aroma, and the unforgettable taste make it a truly special meal.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on some Persian music (trust me, it enhances the experience!), and get cooking! I promise you won’t regret it.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? What variations did you make? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear about your culinary adventures with this amazing Persian Chicken recipe. Happy cooking!