Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Bites (Print-Friendly Version)
Beef, bacon, cheddar, and burger sauce make these meatballs a flavorful snack or main.
# Ingredients You’ll Need:
→ Main Mixture
01 -
5 pounds ground beef, 80/20 blend
02 -
1/2 pound cooked bacon, crumbled (about 8 slices)
03 -
1 cup panko bread crumbs
04 -
1/2 cup whole milk
05 -
1 large egg, lightly beaten
06 -
1/4 cup yellow onion, finely diced
07 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
09 -
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
10 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
12 -
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
13 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Cheese Filling
14 -
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
→ Burger Sauce
15 -
1/2 cup mayonnaise
16 -
2 tablespoons ketchup
17 -
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
18 -
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
19 -
1 teaspoon white vinegar
20 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
21 -
1/4 teaspoon paprika
22 -
Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 -
Cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Allow to cool, then crumble into small pieces.
02 -
In a medium bowl, blend mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, garlic powder, and paprika. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if desired. Whisk until thoroughly combined and refrigerate until needed.
03 -
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, crumbled bacon, panko bread crumbs, milk, beaten egg, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until evenly incorporated.
04 -
Scoop portions of the meat mixture and flatten slightly in your hand. Place a cube of cheddar cheese in the center, shape the mixture around the cheese, and roll to form meatballs of uniform size.
05 -
Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Arrange meatballs on a parchment-lined sheet pan, spacing evenly. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and cheese is melted.
06 -
Serve hot on toasted sesame buns with lettuce, sliced tomato, red onion, pickle chips, and burger sauce. Alternatively, offer as an appetizer with burger sauce for dipping.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
For a crispier exterior, broil meatballs for the final 2 minutes of cooking. Ensure cheese cubes are fully encapsulated to prevent leakage during baking.