Hey y'all! Are you ready to take your appetizer game to the next level? These Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs pack all the juicy, cheesy, smoky flavors of your favorite burger into a bite-sized, party-ready treat. They’re a crowd-pleaser for game days, BBQs, weeknight dinners, or anytime you need a deliciously meaty snack. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Recipe
- All the classic cheeseburger flavors, stuffed into fun bite-sized meatballs.
- Quick prep and bake time makes them perfect for busy weeknights and last-minute gatherings.
- They freeze and reheat like a dream, so you can make a double batch for later.
- Easy to customize with your favorite cheeses, sauces, or add-ons!
- A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike – perfect for parties and family dinners.
Ingredients for Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 for juiciest results)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 6 strips cooked bacon, chopped
- ¼ cup finely diced onion
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoon chopped pickles (optional, for burger flavor)
- Cooking spray or olive oil (for prepping the pan)
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook Bacon
Fry or bake your bacon strips until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and chop into small pieces.
Step 3: Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped bacon, shredded cheddar, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional pickles. Use your hands or a spatula to gently mix until just combined—don’t overmix!
Step 4: Form the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs (about 18-20 meatballs). Place evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through (internal temp should be 160°F/71°C). In the last 2 minutes, sprinkle extra cheese on top to melt, if desired.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let your Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs rest for a few minutes, then skewer with toothpicks and serve with extra ketchup, mustard, or burger sauce for dipping!
Notes for Perfect Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs
- For even juicier meatballs, avoid overmixing the ingredients. Check out this guide to perfect meatballs from Serious Eats.
- Grate the cheese yourself for the best melt and flavor—pre-shredded cheese includes anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version, but be sure to add a splash of milk for moisture.
Delicious Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add 1 tablespoon diced jalapeños and swap ¼ cup cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
- BBQ Style: Swap ketchup for BBQ sauce and use smoked gouda cheese for a smokier flavor profile.
- Mini Sliders: Serve meatballs on toasted slider buns with lettuce, tomato, and a pickle for party-perfect mini burgers.
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Cooking Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Skillet (for bacon)
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Storage & Shelf Life
Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 2 months in a sealed freezer bag or container. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or in the microwave until heated through. Learn more about safe meat storage here.
What to Serve with Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs
- Potato wedges or classic French fries
- Crisp coleslaw or a fresh, tangy salad
- Pickles or burger sauce for dipping
- Ice-cold drinks or a refreshing lemonade
Pro Tips for Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Success
- Use chilled meat when forming the meatballs—they’ll hold their shape better and stay moist. See this pro tip from Bon Appétit.
- If the mixture seems sticky, lightly oil your hands before rolling the meatballs.
- For extra crispiness, broil the meatballs for 1-2 minutes at the end.
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball FAQ
- Can I make Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and bake them up to 2 days ahead; just reheat before serving. - Can I use different cheese types?
Yes—try mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for different flavors. - Are these gluten-free?
They aren’t by default, but you can easily swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko or oats.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 18-20 meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, diced onion, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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3Shape the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
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4Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside.
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5Serve warm with additional ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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