Ingredients
Let me tell you, these meatballs come together with just a handful of kitchen staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
If you’re short on breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or even oats can do the trick. And for a non-alcoholic version, simply skip the bourbon. Trust me, the flavor will still be deliciously satisfying.
Instructions
Cooking is a journey, and these meatballs are no different. Here’s how to bring them to life:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, bacon, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the bourbon BBQ sauce by mixing the BBQ sauce with the bourbon in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, toss them in the bourbon BBQ sauce until they’re well coated.
- Serve hot, and enjoy the smiles around the table!
One of my favorite tips? Use a cookie scoop to ensure your meatballs are all the same size, ensuring they cook evenly. It’s the little things that make a big difference!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball, recipe, cooking, food