Who doesn’t love the combination of crispy bacon, savory ground beef, and a tangy BBQ glaze? If you’re craving a fun and flavorful twist on the classic cheeseburger, look no further than BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs. These bite-sized wonders pack all the delicious flavors of a cheeseburger but in a much more convenient, fun-to-eat form.

Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner, hosting a party, or simply want to satisfy your craving for comfort food, these meatballs are a crowd-pleaser! With crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and a sweet BBQ-honey glaze, these meatballs will make your taste buds dance. Ready to dive into the recipe? Let’s get started!

Ingredients for BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs

These flavorful meatballs require simple ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. From savory beef to smoky bacon and melted cheese, here’s everything you need to create these BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs:

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef – Use lean ground beef for a rich, juicy flavor without excess fat.
½ lb bacon, cooked and crumbled – Crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty kick that makes these meatballs irresistible.
1 cup breadcrumbs – The breadcrumbs help bind the mixture together and give the meatballs a tender texture.
1 large egg – The egg helps the meatballs hold their shape and adds moisture.
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese – The cheese melts into the meatballs, creating gooey pockets of cheeseburger goodness.
2 tablespoons BBQ sauce – Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor, giving the meatballs their BBQ-inspired taste.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – A classic seasoning that enhances the flavor profile.
1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds savory depth to the meatballs.
½ teaspoon smoked paprika – Gives the meatballs a subtle smokiness and a touch of heat.
Salt and pepper to taste – For seasoning.

For the Glaze:

¼ cup BBQ sauce – Use your favorite BBQ sauce to glaze the meatballs for extra flavor.
2 tablespoons honey – The honey adds a touch of sweetness, balancing the tang of the BBQ sauce.

How to Make BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs

Making these meatballs is incredibly simple. You’ll start by preparing the meatball mixture, forming the meatballs, and then baking them to perfection. After that, you’ll glaze them with a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce for a finishing touch. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process.

1. Preheat the Oven

Before you start mixing the ingredients, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is hot enough to cook the meatballs evenly and create that perfect golden-brown exterior. While your oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent the meatballs from sticking.

2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, add 1 lb ground beef, crumbled bacon, breadcrumbs, egg, shredded cheddar cheese, and BBQ sauce. To enhance the flavor, also add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Now, mix everything together with your hands or a spoon until fully combined. The mixture should be slightly sticky, but not overly wet.

This combination of ingredients is what gives the meatballs that irresistible cheeseburger flavor, with smoky bacon, rich beef, and melty cheese all melding together.

3. Form the Meatballs

Next, take a spoon or your hands and scoop out a portion of the mixture, rolling it between your palms to form 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs. You should be able to make about 20 meatballs with this recipe. Place each meatball onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one to allow for even cooking.

4. Bake the Meatballs

Now, it’s time to bake! Place the baking sheet with the meatballs into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. The meatballs should be cooked through and golden brown on the outside. You can check for doneness by cutting into one of the meatballs and ensuring that the center is no longer pink, or using a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).

5. Prepare the Glaze

While the meatballs are baking, it’s time to make the BBQ-honey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine ¼ cup BBQ sauce and 2 tablespoons honey. Heat the mixture over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the glaze is smooth and slightly thickened. Once it’s done, remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside.

This glaze is what gives the meatballs that glossy, flavorful finish. The honey adds a subtle sweetness that complements the tang of the BBQ sauce.

6. Glaze the Meatballs

When the meatballs are finished baking, remove them from the oven. Drizzle the BBQ honey glaze generously over the meatballs, making sure each one gets coated. Once glazed, return the meatballs to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to allow the glaze to set and soak into the meatballs.

This step gives the meatballs that sticky, shiny glaze that makes them even more irresistible!

7. Serve and Enjoy

Once the glaze has set, remove the meatballs from the oven and serve them hot. Garnish with a little extra BBQ sauce if you prefer a more intense flavor. These meatballs are perfect as an appetizer, a main dish, or even as a fun addition to a game-day spread.

Pro Tip:

These BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs also pair wonderfully with sides like roasted vegetables, crispy fries, or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, you can serve them alongside mashed potatoes or a creamy coleslaw for a balance of textures and flavors.

Nutritional Information

Curious about the calorie count of these delicious meatballs? Here’s the breakdown:

Calories: 350 kcal per serving
Servings: 4 servings

This makes the recipe a satisfying yet relatively light option for a comforting meal.

Why You’ll Love BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs

These BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors. The addition of bacon and cheddar cheese makes each bite deliciously indulgent, while the BBQ glaze gives them that signature BBQ kick.

Not only do they taste amazing, but they are also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a busy home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof. Plus, these meatballs are incredibly versatile. You can serve them as an appetizer, a main dish, or even pack them for a lunchbox treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs turn out perfect every time, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

Overmixing the Meatball Mixture: Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Mix just until everything is combined.
Not Checking for Doneness: To avoid undercooked or overcooked meatballs, use a meat thermometer to ensure they’ve reached the right internal temperature.
Not Allowing the Glaze to Set: The glaze needs a few minutes in the oven to adhere to the meatballs, so don’t skip this step.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! You can use ground turkey instead of ground beef. Turkey will be a leaner option, but the flavors from the bacon and glaze will still shine through.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the meatballs and bake them in advance, then store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, just heat them up in the oven and drizzle with the glaze.

How can I spice up the BBQ glaze?

If you like a bit of heat, add some hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce and honey mixture. This will give the glaze a spicy kick!

Can I freeze the meatballs?

Yes! These meatballs freeze well. Just let them cool completely, place them in an airtight container, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.

Conclusion

BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are an unforgettable combination of flavors, bringing the best parts of a cheeseburger to a bite-sized meatball. With crispy bacon, juicy beef, melted cheese, and a sweet BBQ glaze, this recipe is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it. Perfect for dinner, parties, or even as a snack, these meatballs will soon become a family favorite.

For more delicious recipes, don’t forget to check out these mouthwatering ideas:

Don’t forget to share your creations and let us know how you customized this recipe to suit your tastes. Happy cooking!

BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs: The Ultimate Recipe

Author: Amelia Sullivan
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

These BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are a flavor-packed bite of heaven that combines the smoky goodness of BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar cheese, all in a juicy meatball. Perfect for a party appetizer, family dinner, or snack, these meatballs are sure to satisfy any craving!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
½ lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons BBQ sauce, plus extra for drizzling
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Glaze:

¼ cup BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons honey

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crumbled bacon, breadcrumbs, egg, shredded cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. You should have about 20 meatballs.
Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
Prepare the Glaze: While the meatballs are baking, combine the BBQ sauce and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
Glaze the Meatballs: Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and drizzle with the BBQ-honey glaze. Return the meatballs to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to allow the glaze to set.
Serve: Serve the BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs hot, garnished with extra BBQ sauce if desired. Enjoy the irresistible flavors of BBQ and bacon in every bite!

Notes

Feel free to use lean ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter version of this recipe.
You can substitute cheddar cheese with any cheese of your choice, such as mozzarella or pepper jack for a spicier kick.
For an extra crispy texture, you can broil the meatballs for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 5 meatballs
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs, Meatballs, BBQ Meatballs, Bacon Meatballs, Cheddar Cheese Meatballs, BBQ Sauce Meatballs, Easy Meatball Recipe