Ingredients

To make these scrumptious meatballs, you’ll need a handful of ingredients that you might already have in your pantry:

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving)
6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

If you’re looking to customize, you can easily substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed. The versatility of this recipe is one of its best features, allowing you to adjust based on dietary preferences or what you have on hand.

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
Using your hands, form the mixture into 1.5-inch balls. Press a cube of cheddar cheese into the center of each ball, ensuring it’s completely covered by the meat mixture.
Place the meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet, about 1 inch apart.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese is melted.
While the meatballs are baking, in a small saucepan, warm the BBQ sauce over low heat.
Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and brush with warmed BBQ sauce. Sprinkle crumbled bacon and chopped parsley over the top.

These meatballs are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they’re also fantastic for meal prep. The aroma of the BBQ sauce and bacon will fill your kitchen, taking you back to those lively family gatherings.

Author: Jenny
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Cooking
Cuisine: International