Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs

If you love the taste of a classic cheeseburger and crave the smoky sweetness of barbecue sauce, these Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are the perfect match. Each bite delivers a flavor trifecta of juicy ground beef, crisp bacon bits, and melty cheese, all glazed with tangy barbecue sauce. Whether you serve them as appetizers or make them the star of your dinner spread, these meatballs pack the best of summer grilling flavor into one savory package.

Ingredients & Tools for the Ultimate Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs

Main Ingredients

• Ground Beef (80/20 blend) – This ratio of fat to lean meat helps keep your Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs moist and full of flavor.
• Bacon – Crisp it up in advance to ensure extra texture in your meatballs.
• Barbecue Sauce – Go for a smoky or sweet variety to complement the cheeseburger taste.
• Bread Crumbs – Panko or regular to bind everything together.
• Eggs – Essential for giving the meatballs structure.
• Cheese (Cheddar or Similar) – Creates that gooey cheeseburger effect when melted.
• Seasonings – Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika—or any seasoning that fits the classic cheeseburger profile.
• Optional Add-Ins – Diced onions or jalapeños to boost flavor or add a spicy edge.

Must-Have Tools

Streamline your cooking process with these helpful tools (Amazon affiliate links included):

• Mixing Bowl – insert affiliate link
• Baking Sheet – insert affiliate link
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – insert affiliate link
• Parchment Paper – insert affiliate link
• Meat Thermometer (Optional) – insert affiliate link
• Air Fryer (Optional) – insert affiliate link

Tip: Using these tools will help you achieve consistent, delicious results for your Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs every time.

How to Make Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare & Preheat

• Oven Method: Preheat to 400°F (200°C).
• Air Fryer Method: Preheat to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

• In a Mixing Bowl, add:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ½ cup crumbled bacon
  • 1 egg (lightly beaten)
  • ½ cup bread crumbs
  • ⅓ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your preference)
  • 1 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (adjust to taste)

Mix gently until all ingredients are well-combined, ensuring that each meatball has a balanced dose of bacon and cheese.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

• Form the mixture into balls about 1½–2 inches in diameter.
• Tip: Aim for uniformity so your Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs cook evenly.

Step 4: Cook & Glaze

• Baking Instructions:
  1. Line a Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper.
  2. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer, leaving space between each.
  3. Bake for 15–20 minutes, brushing barbecue sauce on top at the halfway point.
• Air Fryer Instructions:
  1. Lightly coat your air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil.
  2. Place the meatballs in the basket so they don’t touch.
  3. Cook for 12–15 minutes, brushing with barbecue sauce when they’re halfway done.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

• Use a Meat Thermometer to ensure the center reaches 160°F (71°C) for beef. Once your Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are fully cooked, they’re ready to be devoured!

Serving Suggestions, Variations & More Ways

Serving Suggestions

• Game-Day Appetizer: Arrange these Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs on a platter with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
• Slider-Style: Pop each meatball on a mini bun with lettuce, pickles, and an extra drizzle of barbecue sauce.
• Main Course Combo: Pair your meatballs with fries, coleslaw, or a green salad for a complete cheeseburger-style meal.

Flavor Variations

• Change Up the Protein: Try ground turkey or chicken if you want leaner Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs.
• Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne to your meat mixture for a fiery kick.
• Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella to keep your meal interesting.

Nutrition Snapshot

(Approximate per serving, assuming 3–4 meatballs each)

• Calories: ~250–300
• Protein: 15–20 g
• Fat: 15–20 g
• Carbohydrates: 5–10 g

Keep in mind, actual values will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For precise tracking, use a nutritional calculator.

These Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs encapsulate everything you love about a juicy bacon cheeseburger—but in convenient, snackable form. With their smoky barbecue flavor, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese, they’re sure to be a hit at parties, potlucks, or regular family dinners. Don’t forget to leave a comment below if you try these out, and feel free to share your own variations to make this recipe truly your own!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this site!

Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs – Juicy, Flavor-Packed Meatballs Infused with Crispy Bacon, Melted Cheese, and a Tangy BBQ Glaze for the Ultimate Bite-Sized Treat!

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)

 

1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled

 

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

 

1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)

 

1 large egg

 

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

 

1 tsp garlic powder

 

1 tsp onion powder

 

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

 

1/2 tsp salt

 

1/4 tsp black pepper

 

1/2 cup BBQ sauce (for glazing)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

 

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.

Step 3 — Form the Meatballs – Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.

 

Step 4 — Bake the Meatballs – Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until fully cooked and slightly golden.

 

Step 5 — Glaze with BBQ Sauce – Remove the meatballs from the oven and brush them generously with BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and broil for 2–3 minutes until caramelized.

 

Step 6 — Serve and Enjoy – Let the meatballs cool for a couple of minutes, then serve warm with extra BBQ sauce for dipping!

• Author: admin
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American