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Easy BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs: 30 minutes

BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9 from 847 votes

These BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are irresistibly flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving burger goodness in bite-size form, this recipe is a must-try!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs

  1. 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best juiciness)
  2. ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  3. 1 egg, beaten (binder)
  4. ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  5. 4 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled
  6. ¼ cup finely chopped onion
  7. 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (adds umami depth)
  8. 1 tsp garlic powder
  9. Salt & pepper to taste
  10. Cheese cubes (optional) – For a gooey, stuffed center!

For the BBQ Sauce Glaze

  • ½ cup BBQ sauce (smoky or sweet, your choice!)
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)

For Serving (Optional)

  • Extra BBQ sauce for dipping
  • Toothpicks for easy grabbing
  • Mini buns for sliders

Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon

  • Cook 4 bacon slices until crispy, then crumble into small pieces.

2. Make the Meatball Mixture

  • In a large bowl, combine:
  • Ground beef
  • Breadcrumbs, egg, cheddar, bacon, onion
  • Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt & pepper
  • Mix gently with hands (don’t overwork the meat!).

3. Form the Meatballs

  • Roll into 1–1.5-inch balls (about 20 meatballs).
  • Optional: Press a small cheese cube into the center for an extra-melty surprise!

4. Cook the Meatballs

Stovetop Method (Best for Browning)

  • Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Cook meatballs 8–10 minutes, turning until browned all over.

Oven Method (Easier for Large Batches)

  • Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes until cooked through.

5. Make the BBQ Glaze

  • In a small bowl, mix:
  • BBQ sauce + ketchup + mustard.

6. Coat & Simmer

  • Pour sauce over cooked meatballs.
  • Simmer 5 minutes to thicken the glaze.

7. Serve & Enjoy!

  • Skewer with toothpicks for parties.
  • Serve on mini buns as sliders.
  • Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.

Notes

🔥 Don’t Overmix – Keeps them tender.
🧀 Use Cold Meat – Easier to shape.
🍖 Bake or Pan-Fry?

  • Pan-frying = crispier exterior
  • Baking = hands-off & even cooking
    🍯 Sauce Variations
  • Spicy: Add hot sauce or sriracha.
  • Honey Mustard: Swap BBQ sauce for honey + mustard.

Keywords: BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs

Find it online: https://livelydish.com/bbq-bacon-cheeseburger-meatballs/