Description
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs
Mouthwatering meatballs packed with smoky bacon, beef, and cheddar cheese, glazed in rich BBQ sauce. These will be your new favorite comfort food!
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
½ lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
½ cup BBQ sauce
1 egg
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup breadcrumbs
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix beef, bacon, cheddar, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings.
Roll into meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet.
Bake for 18-20 minutes.
Brush with BBQ sauce and bake for another 5 minutes.
Serve warm and enjoy!
#BBQCheeseLover
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cook the ½ lb of bacon until crisp, then drain and crumble it finely.
2. Mix: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, black pepper, and garlic powder. Use your hands to mix gently but thoroughly until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
3. Form: Scoop out portions of the mixture (about 1.5 tablespoons each) and roll them into firm, even-sized balls. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about an inch apart.
4. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned.
5. Glaze: Remove the baking sheet. Using a pastry brush, generously coat each meatball with the remaining ½ cup of BBQ sauce. Return to the oven for a final 5 minutes to set the glaze.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks and extra BBQ sauce for dipping. For a main course, pile them on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles. They also make a fantastic sandwich filling in a toasted bun with coleslaw and a pickle spear.
How-to Summary
Combine beef, bacon, cheese, and seasonings. Form into balls and bake at 375°F for 18-20 minutes. Finish by brushing with BBQ sauce and baking for 5 more minutes. Serve warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time? Yes. You can assemble the raw meatballs, place them on a baking sheet, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze unbaked meatballs on a sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely. Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick, while smoked Gouda enhances the smoky flavor. A Monterey Jack blend would also work well for its meltability.
What’s the best way to ensure they don’t fall apart? The egg and breadcrumbs are crucial binders. Also, ensure your meat mixture is cold when forming the balls, and avoid over-packing them when rolling.
Can I cook these in an air fryer? Yes. Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, brushing with sauce halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until hot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the meat: This compacts the proteins and can lead to tough, dense meatballs. Mix until ingredients are just combined.
- Using raw bacon in the mix: The bacon must be cooked and crumbled first. Raw bacon will not cook through in the baking time and will render fat, causing the meatballs to fall apart.
- Skipping the breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs are essential for absorbing moisture and binding the ingredients. Don’t omit them.
- Brushing with sauce too early: Adding the BBQ sauce at the beginning will cause it to burn. Always apply the glaze in the last few minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
These BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs perfectly capture the iconic flavors of a classic cookout favorite in a fun, shareable form. They are straightforward to make, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. With the right technique and by avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a delicious, comforting dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
