BBQ Cheeseburger Meatballs

$- 1 lb ground beef - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup diced onion - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for topping) - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) To make BBQ cheeseburger meatballs, gather fresh ingredients. Start with ground beef. I use lean beef for a rich flavor. Next, add breadcrumbs. They help bind the meat and keep it moist. Grated Parmesan cheese adds depth and a savory kick. Diced onion gives sweetness. Minced garlic enhances the taste, making it aromatic. For flavor, BBQ sauce is key. It adds sweetness and tang. Worcestershire sauce deepens the flavors. Salt and pepper bring out the best in all ingredients. When it's time to serve, top the meatballs with shredded cheddar cheese. It melts beautifully. Fresh parsley can add a touch of color and freshness. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This hot oven helps the meatballs cook fast and evenly. 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine: - 1 lb ground beef - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup diced onion - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 large egg - 1/4 cup BBQ sauce - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Use your hands to mix everything well. Make sure all the flavors blend together. 3. Now, shape the mixture into meatballs. Each should be about 1.5 inches wide. This size helps them cook just right. 4. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. 5. Bake the meatballs in the oven for 20 minutes. This time is perfect for cooking them through. 6. After 20 minutes, take the meatballs out. Flip each one over to cook evenly. 7. Top each meatball with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese and a drizzle of BBQ sauce. 8. Put them back in the oven for another 5 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and get bubbly. Once done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your BBQ cheeseburger meatballs! To get the best texture, use fresh ground beef. Beef with a bit of fat makes juicy meatballs. Aim for 80/20 beef, which means 80% lean and 20% fat. Mix all the ingredients gently; don't overwork the meat. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Dos: - Use room temperature ingredients. - Form meatballs gently, like rolling dough. - Bake on parchment paper for easy cleanup. Don’ts: - Don’t pack the meat too tightly. - Avoid using cold meat from the fridge. - Don’t skip the egg; it helps bind the mixture. You can swap some ingredients for different tastes. Instead of ground beef, try ground turkey or chicken. For the breadcrumbs, use crushed crackers or rolled oats. If you want a kick, add some hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the mix. Optional spice additions: - Smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. - Onion powder for extra depth. - Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can brighten the taste. These meatballs pair well with many sides. Try them with sweet potato fries or a fresh salad. You can also serve them on a bun for a fun slider. Creative serving ideas: - Skewer them with toothpicks for easy appetizers. - Place them in a bowl of BBQ sauce for dipping. - Serve with mini burger buns to make sliders. Pro Tips Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and enhance the meatball's flavor without overwhelming richness. Chill the Mixture: After mixing, let the meatball mixture chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape while baking. Experiment with BBQ Sauce: Try different flavors of BBQ sauce to customize the taste of your meatballs. Smoky, honey, or spicy varieties can add unique twists! Serve with Dipping Sauces: Pair your BBQ cheeseburger meatballs with a variety of dipping sauces, like ranch or extra BBQ sauce, for added flavor and fun. {{image_2}} You can make your BBQ cheeseburger meatballs healthier. Start with lean meat, like turkey or chicken. These options cut fat but still taste great. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work well and keep the meatballs light. Try using oatmeal or crushed rice cakes too. These choices make a tasty swap for regular breadcrumbs. Want to spice things up? Change your BBQ sauce flavor! Try sweet, tangy, or spicy sauces. Each sauce adds a unique taste to your meatballs. You can also add veggies. Finely chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots blend well. They boost nutrition and add flavor. Just mix them into the meatball mix before baking. Make your meatballs look fun and fancy. Try skewering them for appetizers. They are easy to grab and eat. You can also serve them as sliders. Use small buns and add toppings like pickles or lettuce. For a party, place them on a platter with dips. Your guests will love the options! To keep your BBQ cheeseburger meatballs fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, freezing is a great option. To freeze leftovers, first let the meatballs cool completely. Then, arrange them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until hard. After that, place the meatballs in a freezer-safe bag. They will last for about three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. If you have a busy week ahead, making these meatballs in advance is smart. You can prepare the meatball mixture and form them ahead of time. Portion out the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to two days before cooking. This way, dinner is quick and easy. Baking is the best way to cook BBQ cheeseburger meatballs. It keeps them juicy and allows for even cooking. Frying can make them oily and may cause uneven cooking. When you bake them at 400°F (200°C), they develop a nice crust. This crust adds flavor and texture. Baking also frees up your stovetop for other dishes. You can easily flip the meatballs halfway through. This ensures they cook evenly and brown nicely. Yes, you can use turkey instead of beef. Ground turkey is a leaner option. It will lower the fat content of the meatballs. However, the flavor and texture will change. Turkey tends to be drier than beef. To keep the meatballs moist, add a bit more BBQ sauce or an extra egg. You can also mix in some grated cheese. This adds flavor and keeps the meatballs juicy. If you prefer a milder taste, turkey is a great choice. To make these meatballs spicier, you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount and taste as you mix. You can also use a spicy BBQ sauce instead of regular BBQ sauce. Another option is to add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture. For an extra kick, mix in some hot sauce. These spices will enhance the flavor without overpowering the dish. Adjust the heat to fit your taste buds. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious BBQ cheeseburger meatballs. We covered the main ingredients, from ground beef to onions, and highlighted tips for perfecting texture. You learned methods for baking and flavorful tricks to customize your meatballs. We also discussed storage and serving ideas. These meatballs are a fun twist on a classic dish. Try them at your next meal or gathering!$

BBQ Cheeseburger Meatballs

Delicious meatballs made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and BBQ sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
0.25 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for topping)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
to taste Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, diced onion, minced garlic, egg, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the meatballs from the oven and carefully flip them over. Top each meatball with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese and a little extra BBQ sauce.
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.

Keyword BBQ, cheeseburger, meatballs