Description

BBQ Bacon Cheddar Meatballs - These are the epitome of comfort food packed into bite-sized portions. This recipe is an American classic with an irresistible twist that makes them the star of any gathering. Rich ground beef, smoky bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese, all rolled into a meatball, create a dish that melts in your mouth. We then slather them in a homemade BBQ sauce that adds a tangy sweetness. With their warm and savory nature, these meatballs are perfect for dinner parties, game nights, or simply when you crave something hearty and delicious. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its flavors but also in its simplicity. Even if you are a beginner in the kitchen, you can easily master this dish. It's a recipe handed down through generations, carrying the warmth of family memories and the joy of shared meals.

Ingredients

• For the meatballs:
• - 2 lbs ground beef
• - 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• - 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and chopped
• - 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• - 2 cloves garlic, minced
• - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• - 1 large egg
• - Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the BBQ Sauce:
• - 1 cup ketchup
• - 1/2 cup brown sugar
• - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• - 1 teaspoon onion powder
• - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• - Salt and pepper, to taste
• (Substitutions: Ground turkey can be used in place of beef. Other types of cheese like mozzarella or gouda can also be used instead of cheddar.)

Preparation Method

Let's start with the meatballs. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, bacon, onion, garlic, parsley, and egg. Season with salt and pepper. Use your hands to mix the ingredients until they are well combined.

Once the mixture is ready, start shaping it into meatballs. A good trick here is to use an ice cream scoop to get uniform sizes. Arrange the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Now, it's time to cook these beauties. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes. While they are in the oven, let's get started on the sauce.

For making the BBQ sauce, combine all the sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

When your meatballs are ready, take them out of the oven. The meatballs should be golden brown and cooked through. If you're not sure, cut into one - the inside should be no longer pink.

Next, toss the meatballs in the BBQ sauce, ensuring each meatball is well coated. Return the meatballs to the oven and cook for an additional 10 minutes until they are sticky and glazed with the sauce.

Tips and Conclusion

For a delightful meal, serve these BBQ Bacon Cheddar Meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes, or you can even make meatball subs using these. If you want to prepare these ahead, they freeze well. Just allow them to cool completely before freezing, and they can stay for up to 2 months.


There you have it - scrumptious BBQ Bacon Cheddar Meatballs that are packed with flavor and comfort. This is a dish that you will enjoy cooking as much as eating. The aroma that fills your kitchen, the satisfaction of crafting these meatballs, and finally, the joy of tasting them, is an experience worth savoring. As you delve into this recipe, youll discover the beauty of homemade meals, the magic of shared dishes, and the joy that comfort food brings.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like our other meatball recipes like Spaghetti and Meatballs or Swedish Meatballs. Dont forget to share this recipe with your friends and family. Keep exploring our site for more delicious recipes to try next time.