Description
Creamy Meatballs with Crispy Bacon is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender beef meatballs with a luscious cheddar cheese sauce and crispy bacon. Perfect for any dinner, this dish is packed with flavor and will become your new favorite weeknight meal!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup finely chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined. Shape the mixture into small meatballs (1 to 1.5 inches in diameter).
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually add the milk while whisking, then let the sauce thicken for about 3-4 minutes. Stir in cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking until the sauce is smooth and the cheese has fully melted.
- Combine the Meatballs and Cheese Sauce: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs evenly with the sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the meatballs are heated through.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the meatballs and cheese sauce. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
- Serve: Serve the creamy meatballs with cheese sauce and crispy bacon immediately, and enjoy!
Notes
- For an extra touch of flavor, you can use turkey bacon or pancetta as a substitute for regular bacon.
- You can also make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them for an easy meal prep option!
- Adjust the cheese and seasoning levels according to your preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4 meatballs with sauce)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Creamy meatballs, cheesy meatballs, bacon-topped meatballs, meatballs with cheddar cheese sauce, easy meatball recipe, savory meatballs