These Keto Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs have a smoky and savory flavor. We prepare these subs with ground beef, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, almond flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic, eggs, sugar-free BBQ sauce, bourbon, butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and soft keto sub rolls. These subs contain approximately 620 calories and 6 g of net carbs. These subs take about 50 minutes to prepare. These Keto Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Subs are perfect for lunch, dinner, family meals, game day parties, weekend gatherings, meal prep, potlucks, and casual entertaining. You can serve these subs with Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Mash, Crispy Zucchini Fries, Creamy Coleslaw, Roasted Broccoli, or an Avocado Cucumber Salad.
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
STATS:
- Course: Main Course
- Prep Duration: 20 minutes
- Calories: 620 Kcal
- Diet: Keto
- Total Duration: 50 minutes
- Cuisine: American
- Servings: 6
- Cook Duration: 30 minutes
- Portion Size: 1 meatball sub
- Cooking Method: Bake and Stovetop
- Difficulty: Easy
TOOLS:
- Bowl
- Tray
- Baking paper
- Skillet
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Tongs
- Cheese grater
- Knife
INGREDIENTS:
MEATBALLS:
- 2 lbs. ground beef
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup almond flour
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Smoked paprika, one tsp.
- Worcestershire sauce, one tsp.
- One tsp. Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon parsley
BOURBON BBQ SAUCE:
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup bourbon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Apple cider vinegar, one tbsp.
- Worcestershire sauce, one tbsp.
- One tsp. smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
SERVING:
- 6 keto sub rolls
- 1½ cups cheddar cheese
- Lettuce
- Pickle slices
- Sliced red onion
- Mayonnaise
- Yellow mustard
INGREDIENT NOTES & THEIR KETO SUBSTITUTIONS:
GROUND BEEF:
- We utilize ground beef because it provides juicy, flavorful, and tender meatballs. As an alternative, you can use ground pork, ground turkey, or ground chicken.
BACON:
- We use crispy bacon because it adds a smoky flavor and crunchy texture. Instead, you can use turkey bacon.
CHEDDAR CHEESE:
- Cheddar cheese creates a rich, melty texture and sharp cheesy flavor.
BOURBON:
- Bourbon gives the sauce a rich caramel-like flavor and depth.
KETO SUB ROLLS:
- We use keto sub rolls to keep the recipe low in carbohydrates while providing a soft sandwich base. As an alternative, you can use homemade almond flour rolls, fathead rolls, or cloud bread.
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
INSTRUCTIONS:
- First, heat the oven to 400° Fahrenheit & arrange the baking paper on a sheet.
- Mix ground beef, cheddar cheese, eggs, almond flour, Parmesan, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, parsley, and pepper in the large bowl.
- Roll the mixture into 24 equal meatballs and put them on the sheet.
- Bake the balls for 20 minutes, and melt the butter in the saucepan.
- Include BBQ sauce, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce to simmer for 8 minutes.
- Add the meatballs to the sauce and gently toss, then cook for 5 minutes.
- Slice the keto rolls, then spread the mayonnaise and mustard.
- Put four meatballs in each roll and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Broil them for 3 minutes and finish with lettuce, onions, and pickle slices.
TIPS:
- We refrigerate the mixture for about fifteen minutes if the subs become extra soft.
- You can toast the keto rolls first and then include filling.
- Include jalapeños for additional heat.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
SIDE DISHES:
- Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Mash
- Crispy Zucchini Fries
- Roasted Broccoli
- Garlic Butter Green Beans
- Cauliflower Rice
SALADS:
- Avocado Cucumber Salad
- Caesar Salad
- Greek Salad
- Spinach Salad
- Coleslaw
APPETIZERS:
- Jalapeño Poppers
- Stuffed Mushrooms
- Cheese Crisps
- Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
- Deviled Eggs
DIPS & SAUCES:
- Garlic Aioli
- Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce
- Ranch Dressing
- Chipotle Mayo
- Blue Cheese Dressing
DRINKS:
- Sparkling Lemon Water
- Unsweetened Iced Tea
- Keto Lemonade
- Cucumber Mint Water
- Black Iced Coffee
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Put the meatballs in a closed box and stock them for about 2 to 4 days.
FREEZER:
- Store the cooked meatballs with sauce for more than 80 to 90 days.
FAQs:
Can I make this recipe earlier than the required time?
- Yes, you may make the meatballs and sauce ahead, then assemble when needed to serve.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
- You may skip cheese or use vegan keto cheese for the desired version.
Can I air-fry these meatballs?
- Yes, you may air fry them for 14 minutes at 380°F.
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
NUTRITIONAL FACTS:
Calories: 620 Kcal
Total Carbs: 10g
Net Carbs: 6g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 2g
Fat: 46g
Protein: 39g
Sodium: 980mg
Portion Size: 1 meatball sub