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Sizzling Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball

Sizzling Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball
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The Sizzling Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball recipe combines juicy ground beef meatballs packed with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese, simmered in a rich bourbon-infused BBQ sauce. Perfect for game days, parties, or a flavorful dinner, these meatballs offer a delicious fusion of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors with an easy preparation method that guarantees a satisfying comfort food upgrade.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs/crushed pork rinds for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup finely diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Bourbon BBQ Sauce

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (smoky, tangy brand or homemade, ensure gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/4 cup bourbon (optional, adjust to taste)

Optional Variations

  • 1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped or pinch of cayenne pepper for spice
  • Alternative cheeses: pepper jack, gouda, or mozzarella
  • Ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option
  • Splash of apple cider vinegar or honey to add to BBQ sauce for sweet and tangy twist

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bacon: Cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and chop into small pieces. This crispy bacon will add a smoky crunch inside the meatballs and a flavorful base inside the sauce.
  2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped bacon, breadcrumbs, grated cheddar cheese, diced onions, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently just until combined to avoid toughening the meatballs.
  3. Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet ready for cooking.
  4. Cook the Meatballs: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides to create a crust and seal in juices. Alternatively, bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, optionally searing briefly first for extra color.
  5. Prepare the Bourbon BBQ Sauce: In a saucepan, combine your chosen BBQ sauce with bourbon. Stir over low heat until warm and slightly thickened, allowing the bourbon to add sweetness and complexity.
  6. Simmer the Meatballs in Sauce: Transfer the browned meatballs to the saucepan with the bourbon BBQ sauce. Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors and let the meatballs absorb the smoky, boozy sauce.

Notes

  • Choose quality, fresh ground beef for the best juicy meatballs.
  • Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender and moist.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safe cooking.
  • Browning the meatballs before simmering locks in flavor and prevents them from falling apart.
  • Adjust the amount of bourbon to control sweetness and booziness to your preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon BBQ meatballs, bacon cheeseburger meatballs, smoky BBQ meatballs, bourbon BBQ sauce, game day appetizers, bacon cheeseburger, comfort food meatballs

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