BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs: The Ultimate Bite-Sized Flavor Bombs

Few things evoke the hearty satisfaction of American comfort food like the classic bacon cheeseburger. Juicy beef, smoky bacon, melted cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce—each element carries bold, familiar flavors that are deeply satisfying on their own. But when you take all of those beloved components and reinvent them into bite-sized meatballs, something truly magical happens. That’s exactly what this BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball recipe delivers: a full-flavored, crowd-pleasing dish that captures everything you love about a cheeseburger in a single, mouthwatering bite.

Save it!

These meatballs aren’t just your standard ground beef rolled into a ball and tossed in the oven. They’re meticulously crafted to bring together the taste and texture of a flame-grilled burger with a smoky, saucy twist. Infused with chopped crispy bacon, shredded cheddar, onion, garlic, and a bold seasoning blend, every bite hits the sweet spot between savory, smoky, tangy, and cheesy.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect party appetizer, game-day snack, or a fun twist on a weeknight dinner, BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them skewered with pickles for a fun finger food, nestle them in slider buns for mini sandwiches, or plate them over mashed potatoes or a crisp salad for a full meal. Their adaptability is matched only by how easy they are to make.

Another major win? These meatballs can be made ahead, frozen, or doubled for feeding a crowd. They’re ideal for meal prepping or entertaining without stress. Plus, they use common pantry and fridge staples, meaning you can likely whip them up without a special grocery run.

Step-by-Step Instructions: BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs

These meatballs combine all the beloved flavors of a bacon cheeseburger—ground beef, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, tangy BBQ sauce—into juicy, tender meatballs that are oven-baked to perfection and slathered in sauce. Each step below has been crafted to help you achieve consistency, flavor, and ideal texture every single time.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Workspace

Before anything else, you’ll want to preheat your oven and get your ingredients and tools organized. Mise en place—“everything in its place”—makes a huge difference in the quality and efficiency of your cooking.

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).

• Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

• Lightly spray the lined sheet with non-stick cooking spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.

Set up a large mixing bowl, a cutting board, and small prep bowls for measured ingredients.

Step 2: Gather and Measure Your Ingredients

For about 24 medium-sized meatballs (perfect for a party or a family meal), you’ll need the following:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 blend for flavor and moisture)

• 6 strips of bacon, cooked until crispy, then finely chopped

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 large egg

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)

• ¼ cup finely diced yellow onion

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (adds classic cheeseburger tang)

• 1 tablespoon ketchup

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but adds smoky depth)

For the BBQ Glaze:

• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (for sweetness and caramelization)

• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for heat)

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

You can cook the bacon ahead of time or while prepping the other ingredients.

Best Bacon-Cooking Method: Oven-Baked:

1. Line a separate baking sheet with foil and lay out 6 strips of bacon.

2. Bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until crispy.

3. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

4. Once cooled, chop into small bits.

Set aside for mixing into the meatball mixture.

Step 4: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

Once all your components are prepped, it’s time to build the flavor-packed meatball base.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped bacon, shredded cheese, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

2. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until everything is evenly combined.

   • Do not overmix. Overworking the meat will result in tough meatballs.

   • The mixture should be moist but hold together when gently squeezed.

Chef’s Tip: If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs. If it’s too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or BBQ sauce.

Step 5: Shape the Meatballs

Now comes the fun part—forming the meatballs.

1. Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of meat mixture and roll it into a ball using your hands.

2. Place formed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

3. Continue until all the mixture is used—yield should be 24–28 meatballs, depending on size.

Optional Add-In: For stuffed meatballs, insert a small cube of cheddar cheese into the center of each ball, then seal well.

Step 6: Bake the Meatballs

These meatballs are oven-baked to achieve a golden-brown crust while locking in juiciness.

1. Place the baking sheet in the preheated 400°F oven.

2. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) on a meat thermometer.

3. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 2–3 minutes.

Optional Broil Finish: For crispier tops, broil on high for 2–3 minutes at the end, but watch carefully to avoid burning.

Step 7: Glaze with BBQ Sauce

While the meatballs bake, prepare the BBQ glaze.

Make the Glaze:

1. In a small saucepan, combine BBQ sauce, honey (or brown sugar), and hot sauce if using.

2. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 5–6 minutes until slightly thickened.

3. Remove from heat.

Coat the Meatballs:

Once meatballs are out of the oven:

• Toss them in the warm BBQ glaze until evenly coated.

  • You can do this in a large bowl or brush the sauce on individually.

• For a sticky, caramelized finish, return the sauced meatballs to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, uncovered.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Your meatballs are now saucy, cheesy, smoky, and absolutely ready to be devoured.

Optional Garnishes:

• Finely chopped parsley or green onions

• Extra shredded cheddar

• Crumbled bacon

• Sesame seeds (for that burger bun touch)

Serving Ideas:

• Appetizer: Serve on toothpicks or skewers with pickle slices and cherry tomatoes for a burger-on-a-stick experience.

• Sliders: Tuck 1–2 meatballs into mini buns with lettuce and a dollop of extra BBQ sauce.

• Main Dish: Serve over mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, rice, or roasted vegetables.

• Party Platter: Keep warm in a slow cooker set to “warm” and let guests serve themselves.