If you’re craving comfort food that combines all your favorite indulgences in one bite, look no further than the Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Meatball Sub. This delicious creation brings together the rich creaminess of mac ‘n’ cheese, the savory crispiness of bacon, and the hearty satisfaction of meatballs, all nestled within a soft sub roll. It’s a flavor-packed sandwich that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a special occasion when you want to impress your guests with something unique and decadent. The cheesy macaroni melts into the tender meatballs, while the bacon adds a smoky crunch that elevates the entire dish. Whether you’re a fan of classic mac ‘n’ cheese, love a good meatball sub, or simply can’t resist the allure of bacon, this recipe is sure to hit all the right notes. Easy to prepare and even easier to devour, this sub is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort and satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups (450g) prepared macaroni and cheese
- 4 sub rolls
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup (60ml) marinara sauce (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Bake the Meatballs: Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked and browned on the outside.
- Prepare the Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese: While the meatballs are baking, cook the bacon until crispy. Crumble the bacon and mix it into the prepared macaroni and cheese. Set aside.
- Assemble the Subs: Slice the sub rolls open and place a layer of bacon mac ‘n’ cheese inside each roll. Add a few meatballs on top of the macaroni mixture, and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Melt the Cheese: Place the assembled subs on a baking sheet and return to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheddar cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Optionally, drizzle with marinara sauce before serving. Enjoy your delicious Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Meatball Subs!
How to Prepare
- Prepare the Meatballs: Start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix all the meatball ingredients in a large bowl and form them into small, bite-sized balls. Bake for 15-20 minutes, ensuring they’re fully cooked.
- Cook the Bacon and Mac ‘n’ Cheese: As the meatballs bake, cook the bacon until crispy. Prepare the macaroni and cheese according to the package instructions, then stir in the crumbled bacon.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Split the sub rolls and stuff them with a generous layer of bacon mac ‘n’ cheese. Add the meatballs and top with cheddar cheese. For an extra touch, add marinara sauce if you like.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the assembled subs back in the oven for a few minutes, just until the cheese melts.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings
- Servings: 4 subs
FAQs
- Can I use store-bought meatballs?
- Yes, you can save time by using store-bought meatballs. Just heat them according to the package instructions before assembling the subs.
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any cheese you prefer.
- What if I don’t have sub rolls?
- You can use any sturdy bread, such as ciabatta or hoagie rolls. Even hamburger buns can work in a pinch.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and bacon mac ‘n’ cheese ahead of time. Assemble the subs just before serving and bake until the cheese melts.
- Is there a vegetarian option?
- You can use plant-based meatballs and vegan bacon, and substitute the dairy products with vegan alternatives to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly.
Conclusion
The Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Meatball Sub is a true comfort food masterpiece that combines the best of all worlds—cheesy, bacon-infused macaroni, juicy meatballs, and a toasty sub roll. Each bite offers a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that make this sandwich an instant favorite. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a game-day snack, or a casual get-together, this sub is sure to impress. Its rich and indulgent nature makes it a dish that’s perfect for treating yourself or loved ones to something special. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and prepare to enjoy a sub that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
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Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Meatball Sub
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Meatball Sub. It’s a delicious combination of cheesy macaroni, crispy bacon, and juicy meatballs, all packed into a soft sub roll. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups (450g) prepared macaroni and cheese
- 4 sub rolls
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup (60ml) marinara sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until browned.
- Make the Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese: Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it. Mix the crumbled bacon into the prepared mac ‘n’ cheese.
- Assemble the Subs: Slice open the sub rolls and layer them with bacon mac ‘n’ cheese. Add the baked meatballs on top and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Melt the Cheese: Place the assembled subs on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
- Serve: Optionally, drizzle with marinara sauce and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use store-bought meatballs to save time.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with your favorite variety.
- To make it vegetarian, use plant-based meatballs and bacon, and vegan cheese alternatives.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sub
- Calories: 780 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg