Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatball mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. You can also freeze the cooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

What’s the best way to ensure juicy meatballs?

Avoid overmixing the ingredients, as this can make the meatballs tough. Also, using a small amount of milk and breadcrumbs helps retain moisture while baking.

Can I cook these meatballs in a skillet instead of the oven?

Absolutely! Heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil and cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

What kind of BBQ sauce works best for this recipe?

A smoky, slightly sweet BBQ sauce complements the bacon and cheddar best. If you like a bit of heat, try using a spicy BBQ sauce or adding a pinch of cayenne to the glaze.

Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs

Name: BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; ½ lb bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ¼ cup breadcrumbs; ¼ cup milk; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup BBQ sauce; 2 tablespoons honey

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
½ lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the BBQ Glaze:

½ cup BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons honey

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix the ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
Shape the meatballs: Roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each to allow for even cooking.
Bake the meatballs: Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until the meatballs are fully cooked and golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Make the BBQ glaze: While the meatballs are baking, stir together the BBQ sauce and honey in a small bowl until well combined. This will create a sweet and smoky glaze that enhances the flavor of the meatballs.
Coat the meatballs: Once out of the oven, immediately brush each meatball with the prepared BBQ honey glaze, allowing the warmth of the meatballs to help the sauce soak in for maximum flavor.
Serve and enjoy: These meatballs are best served hot, with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Pair them with mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or serve them as sliders in mini buns for a fun twist.

Notes

For a crispier texture, broil the meatballs for 2 minutes after baking.
If using ground turkey or chicken, add an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs for better texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in a skillet over medium heat to maintain texture.

Author: Elina
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 meatballs
Calories: 340kcal
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 95mg