BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs

Craving the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with a smoky BBQ twist but in a fun, bite-sized form? These BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are the perfect answer. Packed with juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, gooey cheddar cheese, and a savory BBQ glaze, they deliver all the best parts of a cheeseburger in a neat, hand-held package. Whether you’re looking for an easy appetizer for game day, a fun addition to a family dinner, or just a reason to indulge in some comfort food, these meatballs are sure to satisfy.

Jump to Recipe

Let’s dive into what makes these BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs an irresistible treat and how you can easily whip them up in your kitchen!

Why BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are a Must-Try

If you love cheeseburgers, bacon, and BBQ sauce, this recipe is going to become a new favorite in your household. Here’s why:

• All the Cheeseburger Flavors: You get juicy beef, melted cheddar, smoky bacon, and tangy BBQ sauce all in one delicious bite.
• Perfect Party Food: These meatballs are ideal for serving at parties or get-togethers. They’re bite-sized, easy to eat, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Simple to Make: With just 15 minutes of prep and a handful of everyday ingredients, this recipe is quick and easy, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or last-minute snacks.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to fit your preferences. Want more spice? Add some jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Prefer a different cheese? Swap the cheddar for your favorite kind. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for these BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are simple, yet they come together to create an explosion of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef – The base of our meatballs, providing that juicy, beefy flavor you love in a cheeseburger.
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meatballs together while keeping them tender.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a touch of richness and flavor.
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion – Brings a hint of sweetness and savory depth.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley – Adds freshness and a pop of color.
• 1 large egg – Acts as a binder to help hold the meatballs together.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Provides a savory, garlicky flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami and depth of flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the other flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a little spice and warmth.

For the Topping:

• 8 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled – The smoky, crispy bacon takes these meatballs to the next level.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – You can’t have a cheeseburger without cheese! Cheddar melts perfectly on top of the meatballs, giving them that classic cheeseburger flavor.
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce – Adds sweetness and tang, perfectly complementing the savory meatballs.

How to Make BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs

Ready to create these mouthwatering meatballs? Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your meatballs come out perfectly every time.

1. Preheat the Oven

Before you start mixing your ingredients, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure the meatballs don’t stick during baking.

2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Mix everything together until the ingredients are well incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough. You want everything to be just combined, so the meatballs stay tender and juicy.

Pro Tip: If you find the mixture is a little too dry, you can add a splash of milk to moisten it up.

3. Form the Meatballs

Once your meatball mixture is ready, it’s time to shape them. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls, about the size of a ping pong ball. Place each meatball onto your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave a little space between them. This will help them cook evenly and brown nicely.

4. Add the Bacon and Cheese

Now comes the fun part—adding the bacon and cheese! Using your finger, create a small indentation in the top of each meatball. Fill each indentation with crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.

The bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch, while the cheddar melts beautifully on top, giving each meatball a gooey, cheesy center.

Pro Tip: Press the bacon and cheese gently into the meatball so they stick during baking.

5. Bake the Meatballs

Pop the meatballs into your preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). The meatballs should be golden brown, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly on top.

Pro Tip: If you want your cheese to be extra golden and crispy, you can switch on the broiler for the last minute or two of baking. Just be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning!

6. Add the BBQ Sauce

Once the meatballs are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and brush each meatball generously with BBQ sauce. Return them to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This step allows the BBQ sauce to caramelize slightly, giving the meatballs a sticky, flavorful glaze that takes them to the next level.

If you’re a BBQ sauce lover, feel free to drizzle a little extra sauce on top before serving.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Your BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are ready to be served! Plate them up hot and fresh, and drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if desired. These meatballs are delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or even more BBQ sauce.

Enjoy these savory, cheesy bites as an appetizer, snack, or even a main dish. Trust me, they’ll be a hit at any gathering!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Meatballs

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs turn out perfect every time:

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the meatball ingredients, be careful not to overmix the meat. Overworking the mixture can lead to dense, tough meatballs. Aim for a light, tender texture by mixing until just combined.
• Make Even-Sized Meatballs: For even cooking, try to make the meatballs the same size. You can use a small ice cream scoop or a tablespoon to portion out the mixture, ensuring uniformity.
• Crispy Bacon: For the best texture, make sure your bacon is crispy before crumbling it over the meatballs. Soft or chewy bacon won’t provide the same satisfying crunch.
• Customize to Your Taste: Feel free to customize the flavors in these meatballs to suit your preferences. You can swap the cheddar for another cheese, like pepper jack for a spicy kick, or add diced jalapeños for extra heat.

Serving Suggestions

These BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

• Appetizer: Serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties or gatherings.
• Main Dish: Pair these meatballs with a side of fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Slider Topping: For a fun twist, use these meatballs as toppings for mini slider buns. Add lettuce, tomato, and pickles to complete the cheeseburger experience.
• Party Food: These meatballs are perfect for game day, tailgating, or any party where finger food is a must. Your guests will love popping these flavorful bites into their mouths while watching the game!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something about the combination of juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, gooey cheddar cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce that makes these meatballs irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, party food, or a fun weeknight dinner, they’re bound to be a hit with anyone who loves the classic flavors of a cheeseburger. Plus, they’re so easy to make and bake up in under 30 minutes!

Conclusion

These BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are the perfect fusion of two comfort food favorites cheeseburgers and meatballs. With crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and a tangy BBQ glaze, each bite is packed with flavor. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and sure to be a hit at any gathering or family meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer or a fun twist on classic comfort food, these meatballs are a must-try!

So next time you’re craving a cheeseburger but want something a little different, give these meatballs a try you won’t be disappointed!