BBQ Bacon Meatballs are proof that a few simple ingredients can pack a serious flavor punch. These smoky, savory bacon and beef meatballs glossed in a sticky-sweet layer of barbecue sauce are nearly impossible to walk past.
They come together in under 30 minutes total, making them a fantastic option whether you’re prepping for a party or just want a fun twist on dinner. Tossing them in barbecue sauce right after baking keeps things simple while still giving you that sticky, finger-licking coating everyone loves. Serve them up with toothpicks and watch this platter disappear fast, whether it’s game day, a potluck, or just a Tuesday that needs a little more excitement.
Helpful Tips
- Mince the bacon finely: Small pieces distribute more evenly throughout the meat mixture, so every meatball gets that smoky bacon flavor without big chunks throwing off the texture.
- Don’t overmix the meat: Combine the ingredients just until they come together, since overworking the mixture leads to dense, tough meatballs instead of tender ones.
- Use your favorite barbecue sauce: Since the sauce is the star of the coating, pick one you really love, whether that’s smoky, sweet, or a little spicy, to make these truly your own.
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BBQ Bacon Meatballs
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 ounces bacon minced
- 1/4 cup onion minced
- 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon EACH salt and black pepper
For the coating:
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bacon, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently just until combined. Don’t overmix, or the meatballs can turn tough.
- Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the baking sheet. Make sure they aren’t touching. Bake for 12 minutes or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Transfer meatballs to a bowl and coat with the barbecue sauce. Serve with toothpicks for easy pickup.
Nutrition
Angela’s passion for discovering and experimenting with new flavors and recipes is at the heart of her culinary philosophy. Residing in a quaint Oregon town, she finds joy and inspiration in her kitchen. Angela has a lot of expertise in cooking and she eagerly shares her discoveries and unique creations with you.