Delicious BBQ Meatballs with Cheddar and Smoky BBQ Sauce – The Perfect Weeknight Dinner or Party Snack
Craving a fun and flavorful twist on traditional cheeseburgers? These Smoky BBQ Cheeseburger Meatballs are packed with savory ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and a smoky BBQ glaze. Perfect for a quick dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next gathering.
Ingredients for Smoky BBQ Cheeseburger Meatballs:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or lean ground beef for a healthier option)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce (Use your favorite smoky BBQ sauce)
- Optional: Chopped pickles or parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Smoky BBQ Cheeseburger Meatballs:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup easy.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, yellow mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Be sure not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each meatball for even cooking.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes, or until fully cooked and browned on the outside. You can check if they’re done by ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Add BBQ Sauce
Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and brush each one with a generous amount of BBQ sauce. Place them back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes to let the sauce set.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve your Smoky BBQ Cheeseburger Meatballs warm, garnished with chopped pickles or fresh parsley. These meatballs are great on their own or served over mashed potatoes, rice, or even in burger buns for a fun twist.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 420 per serving
- Servings: 6
Why You’ll Love These Smoky BBQ Cheeseburger Meatballs:
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, these meatballs are the perfect solution for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner ideas.
- Smoky and Flavorful: A combination of BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, and seasoned beef creates a savory, smoky flavor that’ll have everyone coming back for more.
- Great for Meal Prep: These meatballs are freezer-friendly. Make a big batch, freeze them, and have a quick meal ready to go at any time.
- Versatile: Perfect for meal prepping, game nights, family dinners, or BBQ parties. You can serve them with side dishes like coleslaw or sweet potato fries.
Tips and Variations:
- Spicy Kick: For a little extra heat, add some hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
- Lean Options: Use ground turkey or ground chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
- Bacon Lovers: Add some crumbled cooked bacon to the meatball mixture for an extra smoky, savory taste.
What to Serve with Smoky BBQ Cheeseburger Meatballs:
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes pair wonderfully with the smoky flavors of these meatballs.
- Rice – Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice for a hearty meal.
- Veggies – Complement these meatballs with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced plate.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes! After baking and before adding the BBQ sauce, freeze the cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven before serving.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and shape the meatballs up to 24 hours ahead. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Related Recipes You Might Like:
- BBQ Chicken Meatballs – A leaner alternative to the classic, using ground chicken for a healthier option.
- Cheeseburger Sliders – Mini cheeseburgers with all your favorite toppings, perfect for parties.
- Spicy Meatballs in Marinara Sauce – A fiery twist on the traditional meatball, served with a rich tomato sauce.
Ready to Try These Smoky BBQ Cheeseburger Meatballs?
These meatballs are a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s sure to be a hit at your next dinner or gathering. Click here to print this recipe or share it with friends who love BBQ flavors!
