Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs (Print version)
Juicy bacon cheeseburger meatballs glazed with bourbon BBQ sauce, ready in 30 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner.
# Ingredients:
For the meatballs
01 -
1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 80/20
02 -
6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
03 -
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
04 -
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
05 -
1 large egg
06 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
08 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
09 -
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
10 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
11 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the bourbon BBQ glaze
12 -
3/4 cup BBQ sauce
13 -
3 tablespoons bourbon
14 -
2 tablespoons ketchup
15 -
1 tablespoon brown sugar
# Instructions:
01 -
Combine the ground beef, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix gently until just combined.
02 -
Roll the mixture into 20 meatballs, about 1 1/2 tablespoons each. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet with space between them. Bake at 400°F for 18-20 minutes until browned and an instant-read thermometer reads 160°F.
03 -
While the meatballs bake, stir together the BBQ sauce, bourbon, ketchup, and brown sugar in a skillet over medium heat. Simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
04 -
Add the hot meatballs to the skillet and roll them in the glaze until evenly coated and shiny. Serve immediately.
# Good to know:
01 -
Best served right away while the glaze is warm and sticky.
02 -
An instant-read thermometer is the most reliable way to check doneness.