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### **Step-by-Step Recipe for BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs**
Now that you know what ingredients you’ll need, it’s time to dive into the process of making these delectable BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs. Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful batch of meatballs that will impress anyone who tries them.
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**
Before you start assembling your meatballs, it’s important to prep all your ingredients:
1. **Cook the bacon**: In a frying pan, cook the **bacon** over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set it on a paper towel to drain excess grease. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces.
2. **Chop the onions**: Dice the **onion** finely. You can sauté the onions in a little oil or butter for a few minutes to soften them and bring out their sweetness, but this step is optional.
#### **Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture**
1. **Combine the ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, add the **ground beef**, **breadcrumbs**, **egg**, **chopped bacon**, **onion**, **garlic**, **BBQ sauce**, **salt**, and **pepper**. Mix everything together until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
2. **Add cheese**: If you want gooey cheese inside the meatballs, gently fold in shredded **cheddar cheese** or any cheese of your choice. If you prefer the cheese to be a center surprise, don’t mix the cheese into the meat mixture yet.
#### **Step 3: Shape the Meatballs**
1. **Form the meatballs**: Using your hands, scoop out about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll it into a ball. If you’re adding cheese to the center, make a small indentation in the middle of the meatball, place a cube or small chunk of cheese inside, and then seal the meatball around it.
2. **Place on a baking sheet**: Arrange the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a greased baking dish. Make sure there’s a little space between each meatball to allow for even cooking.
#### **Step 4: Bake the Meatballs**
1. **Bake at 375°F (190°C)**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the meatballs for about **15-20 minutes**, or until they are cooked through and golden brown. If you’re adding cheese to the inside, check that the cheese has melted and oozed out a little. You can also check the internal temperature of the meatballs to ensure they’ve reached 165°F (74°C) for safety.
#### **Step 5: Add BBQ Sauce and Cheese**
1. **Top with BBQ sauce**: Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven. Brush a generous amount of **BBQ sauce** over the top of each meatball. If you like your meatballs extra saucy, you can also pour a little more BBQ sauce into the pan before serving.
2. **Melt the cheese**: For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of each meatball and return them to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
#### **Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**
Once your BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are fully assembled, they’re ready to serve. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, and for an added cheeseburger flair, top with pickle slices. These meatballs are perfect served on their own or with a side of **fries**, **slaw**, or even a simple **salad**.
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### **Tips and Variations for BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs**
1. **Make Ahead**: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. This helps the flavors meld together, and it also saves you time on the day you plan to serve them.
2. **Slow Cooker Option**: If you prefer a hands-off method, you can cook
the meatballs in a slow cooker. Simply cook the meatballs as directed, then add the BBQ sauce and let them simmer in the slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours.
3. **Add Spices**: Experiment with adding other spices to the meatball mixture, such as **paprika**, **onion powder**, or **cumin**, to enhance the flavor profile.
4. **Cheese Variations**: Try using different cheeses like **mozzarella** for a more melty texture or **blue cheese** for a bold twist on the flavor.
5. **Grilling Option**: For a smoky char, you can grill the meatballs instead of baking them. Place the meatballs on a preheated grill over medium heat and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until fully cooked.
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### **Conclusion**
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are an indulgent and irresistible treat that combines the best aspects of a classic cheeseburger in a fun, bite-sized form. Whether served as an appetizer, a main dish, or a party snack, these meatballs offer a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and cheesy goodness. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a dish that will impress your family and friends every time.
The versatility of BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs means you can customize them with your favorite ingredients, sauces, and cheeses, making them your own. So the next time you’re craving a cheeseburger but want something a little more fun and unique, try making these BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs for a flavor-packed experience you’ll never forget.
