The Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Recipe
I just made these bacon cheeseburger meatballs, and they were an absolute hit! Imagine all the savory goodness of a classic cheeseburger packed into a single, juicy bite. They have that perfect combination of smoky bacon, rich beef, and a gooey, melted cheese center.
After perfecting this recipe, I feel it’s a must-share. If you enjoy creative dishes like this, you should also explore our guide for a Maple Mustard Roasted Carrots Recipe for another amazing meal.
Ingredients for Your Masterpiece
Here is the complete list of what you’ll need to create these flavor-packed meatballs.
- 1.5 lbs Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is perfect for juicy, flavorful meatballs.
- 1/2 lb Ground Bacon: Use about 8 cooked and crumbled slices for that essential smoky taste.
- 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs: These create a lighter texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- 1/2 cup Milk: Helps to moisten the breadcrumbs and keep the meatballs tender.
- 1 large Egg: Acts as a binder to hold all the ingredients together.
- 1/4 cup Yellow Onion: Finely dice it to ensure it blends seamlessly into the mixture.
- 2 cloves Garlic: Minced garlic adds a wonderful aromatic depth.
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a savory, umami kick.
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy element that cuts through the richness.
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika: Enhances the smoky flavor profile.
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder: Complements the fresh garlic for a rounded flavor.
- 1/4 tsp Onion Powder: Boosts the savory onion taste.
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste: Season according to your preference.
- 8 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Cut into 1/2-inch cubes for the perfect molten center.
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise: The creamy base for our special burger sauce.
- 2 tbsp Ketchup: For that classic, sweet, and tangy burger sauce flavor.
- 1 tbsp Yellow Mustard: Adds an extra layer of tang to the sauce.
- 1 tbsp Sweet Pickle Relish: Gives the sauce its signature burger-joint taste.
- 1 tsp White Vinegar: Brightens up all the flavors in the sauce.
- Pinch of Cayenne Pepper (optional): If you like a little bit of heat.
Note: This recipe yields approximately 12-16 meatballs, serving 4-6 people.
Cooking Time
Get ready for a delicious meal that comes together in under an hour.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Equipment You Need
You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe, just some basic kitchen tools.
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining all your meatball ingredients.
- Small Bowl: To whisk together the sauce components.
- Baking Sheet: For baking the meatballs evenly in the oven.
- Skillet: An alternative for pan-frying to get a crispy exterior.
- Whisk: To ensure your burger sauce is smooth and creamy.
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs
Follow these simple steps to create the ultimate party appetizer or family dinner. The process is straightforward and results in perfectly cooked, delicious meatballs every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
First, cook your bacon slices in a skillet until they are nice and crispy. Let them cool, then crumble them into small pieces. In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef, crumbled bacon, Panko bread crumbs, and milk. In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and all the spices. Pour this wet mixture over the meat and combine everything gently with your hands.
Step 2: Stuff with Cheese and Shape
Now for the best part! Take a portion of the meat mixture (about 2-3 tablespoons) and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of cheddar cheese in the center. Carefully wrap the meat around the cheese, ensuring it’s completely sealed. Roll it between your palms to form a smooth, round ball. Repeat this process until all the meat mixture and cheese are used.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
You can either bake or pan-fry these meatballs. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through. To pan-fry, heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs for 8-10 minutes, turning them often until they are browned on all sides.
Step 4: Whip Up the Burger Sauce
While the meatballs are cooking, you can quickly make the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, and a pinch of cayenne if you like. Whisk everything together until the sauce is smooth and creamy. You can make this ahead and keep it chilled in the refrigerator.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
Having made these a few times, I’ve picked up some tricks to make them even more incredible.
- I found that grating the onion instead of dicing it helps it melt into the meat mixture, providing flavor without any chunky bits.
- Don’t overmix the meat! I handle it as little as possible to keep the final meatballs tender and juicy, not tough.
- Let the meatballs rest for about 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to settle, making each bite more flavorful.
- For an extra layer of flavor, I sometimes add a tablespoon of my favorite BBQ sauce to the meat mixture.
Variations to Try
Feel free to customize these meatballs to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Cheese Swap: Not a fan of cheddar? Try stuffing the meatballs with pepper jack for a spicy kick, or mozzarella for an extra-gooey center.
- Add Veggies: To sneak in some extra nutrients, add finely grated zucchini or carrots to the meat mixture. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture.
- Go Gluten-Free: Easily make this recipe gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free bread crumbs.
- Different Meats: While ground beef is classic, these are also fantastic with ground turkey or chicken. You can explore many other creative dinner recipes by simply switching up the protein.
Serving Ideas
These meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in many fun and tasty ways.
- Serve them over creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty and comforting meal.
- Create mini sliders by placing a meatball on a small bun with a bit of lettuce and a dollop of sauce.
- For a sweet treat after this savory dish, try making our Mini Taco Cupcakes with Zesty Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe.
- Add them to a fresh green salad for a protein-packed lunch.
Calories Count
Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per meatball, though values can vary.
- Calories: 150-180 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
How to Store Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs
Proper storage will keep your delicious meatballs fresh for later enjoyment.
- Refrigerating: Store leftover cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Let cooked meatballs cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat refrigerated meatballs in the microwave or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. Thaw frozen meatballs in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to make these bacon cheeseburger meatballs a regular in your home.
- Incredibly Flavorful: They pack all the deliciousness of a bacon cheeseburger into one perfect bite.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These are perfect for parties, game days, or any gathering. Everyone loves them!
- Easy to Make: The recipe uses simple ingredients and follows a straightforward process.
- Super Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, a main course, or even a fun snack.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your family’s preferences.
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- First, cook your bacon slices in a skillet until they are nice and crispy. Let them cool, then crumble them into small pieces. In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef, crumbled bacon, Panko bread crumbs, and milk. In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and all the spices. Pour this wet mixture over the meat and combine everything gently with your hands.
- Now for the best part! Take a portion of the meat mixture (about 2-3 tablespoons) and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of cheddar cheese in the center. Carefully wrap the meat around the cheese, ensuring it’s completely sealed. Roll it between your palms to form a smooth, round ball. Repeat this process until all the meat mixture and cheese are used.
- You can either bake or pan-fry these meatballs. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through. To pan-fry, heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs for 8-10 minutes, turning them often until they are browned on all sides.
- While the meatballs are cooking, you can quickly make the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, and a pinch of cayenne if you like. Whisk everything together until the sauce is smooth and creamy. You can make this ahead and keep it chilled in the refrigerator.