Looking for a dupe for a certain famous fast-food burger? These Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs will ease that craving from home!
I know we’re supposed to be all about grilling this time of year, but these Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs will make you re-think getting all sweaty outside with the bugs!
I’m definitely not saying I’m a grill-hater, but there’s something that just doesn’t mix when you’re 36 weeks pregnant when it’s 95 degrees outside. Add a 500-degree grill to the equation and I’m out… for now. This recipe is dedicated to all you wimpy folks like me who would much rather brave the air conditioning that the great summer outdoors.
I toyed with the idea of different flavors for these meatball subs. I thought about doing bacon and bbq, or maybe a blue cheese and mushroom, or even something Asian-inspired. But, what I was really craving was the taste of a classic burger with Thousand Island *secret* sauce. Last week I posted this summery wedge salad and proclaimed my love for the underutilized iceberg lettuce. Since I had some leftover, It was the push I needed to try out these subs. Man, am I glad I did. I stand by what I said about iceberg — totally underrated! WARNING: Try this sub and you may never want to go through a drive-thru or fire up the grill again.
Check out my other burger imposter, This Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza with Dill Pickle Aoili!
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef
- 3 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled (or 1/3 cup real bacon bits)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Hoagie rolls
- sliced cheddar cheese
- Sliced tomatoes, shredded iceberg lettuce, and Thousand Island dressing, to serve
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Add all the ingredients except the rolls and toppings to a large bowl and mix well.
- Roll into meatballs about the size of a golf ball. I used a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop to make them even.
- Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
- Once the meatballs are cooked through, Pile desired amount into a hoagie roll and top with cheese. Continue toasting in the oven until cheese is melted and roll is toasted. Top with tomatoes, lettuce, and Thousand Island dressing.
Notes
*If you don't want to make these meatballs into a sub, place them on a toothpick and serve with Thousand Island on the side for a fun appetizer!
