I originally shared a video for these Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs over on my Instagram a few years ago and they were a hit. I’ve gotten a few messages and comments over the years to add the recipe to this site to have a more convenient and permanent location for the recipe with a printable option. With that being said, I’ve finally gotten around to shooting and posting it on here. These are like a bacon cheeseburger…without the burger. It’s like a deconstructed burger in a way and honestly it’s one of my favorite meatball renditions have done—and that’s saying something because I’ve done many a meatball mashup recipe here over the years. I feel like they just keep getting better.
In a large bowl, mix together beef, egg, breadcrumbs, ketchup, mustard, large pinch of salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cheese and bacon.
**Note: Try to not overmix this mixture because if you work it too much, as with any meatball, you run the risk of making the meatballs tough.**
Shape into golfball-sized meatballs and place on baking sheet that has been lined with parchment or foil—if using foil, spray it with cooking spray. Bake at 400°F until golden and crispy, 20 to 25 minutes.
In the meantime, to make sauce, combine mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickles, garlic, onion, paprika and vinegar in a small bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
**Tip: This sauce can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge for up to four days. It keeps really well, stored in an airtight container.**
The meatballs can be made ahead of time too, if you’d like. Allow them to cool completely. Then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just rewarm as needed or right before serving.
Assemble by spreading sauce on the bottom of a serving bowl. Top with meatballs, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced onion, pickle chips, and sesame seeds.
The idea of these is that you top the meatballs with all of your favorite burger toppings. So if you like grilled onions, or avocado, or even more crispy bacon, please add them! I wanted them to be easy and versatile.
If you’re missing the bread, which I won’t blame you for it, then you can totally add a few croutons to this as well. That’ll act like the “bread” from a burger. Of course, you can omit it altogether.
I hope you give these a try because they’re so good! People really loved them on Instagram and so I know you’ll like them as well. Let me know what you think below, and as always, thank you so much for reading and following along.
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- Salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic and onion
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 6 slices crispy bacon chopped
Sauce:
- 1 cup mayo
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles or dill relish
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon granulated onion
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice or vinegar
- Salt and pepper
For Serving:
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 2 medium tomatoes diced
- 1/2 cup hamburger pickles
- 1/2 small onion diced
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425F. Grease a baking sheet and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together beef, egg, breadcrumbs, ketchup, mustard, large pinch of salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cheese and bacon. Shape into meatballs and place on baking sheet. Bake until golden and crispy, 20 to 25 minutes.
- To make sauce, combine mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickles, garlic, onion, paprika and vinegar in a small bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Assemble by spreading sauce on the bottom of a serving bowl. Top with meatballs, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced onion, pickle chips, and sesame seeds. Enjoy!
oh my, very fun indeed, a little over the top calorie-wise for me until my Saturday cheat day, so saving this for that, another very creative gem, thank you!