Get ready for the ultimate flavor explosion with these irresistible BBQ Bacon Wrapped Cheese Stuffed Meatballs! This crowd-pleasing recipe combines savory ground beef, melty mozzarella cheese, and crispy bacon – all glazed in a tantalizing barbecue sauce. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or craving a comforting homemade dinner, these meatballs are sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave your guests utterly impressed.
Ingredients for BBQ Bacon Wrapped Cheese Stuffed Meatballs
To make these mouthwatering meatballs, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef – Choose a high-quality, freshly ground beef for the best texture and flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Mozzarella melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy center to each meatball.
- 6 slices bacon, cut in half – Crispy bacon wraps around the meatballs, adding a smoky, salty crunch.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – Garlic powder enhances the savory profile of the meatballs.
- 1 tsp onion powder – Onion powder complements the garlic, creating a well-rounded flavor.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika – Smoked paprika lends a subtle hint of smokiness to the meatballs.
- 1/2 tsp salt – A pinch of salt helps to bring out all the other flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – Ground black pepper adds a touch of heat and depth.
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce – Your favorite barbecue sauce ties everything together with its tangy, sweet, and smoky notes.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley – Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous garnish.
How to Make BBQ Bacon Wrapped Cheese Stuffed Meatballs
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will ensure the meatballs cook through while allowing the bacon to crisp up to perfection.
Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix the ingredients until they’re evenly incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
Form the Meatballs
Scoop out a portion of the beef mixture and gently roll it between your palms to form a golf ball-sized meatball. Repeat this process until you’ve used up all the mixture, creating around 18-20 meatballs.
Wrap in Bacon
Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it around each meatball, securing the ends if necessary. This creates a delicious, crispy bacon wrap that seals in the cheesy, meaty goodness.
Bake the Meatballs
Arrange the bacon-wrapped meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the meatballs are cooked through.
Glaze with BBQ Sauce
During the last 5 minutes of baking, brush the meatballs with the BBQ sauce. This allows the sauce to caramelize and create a delectable glaze that complements the smoky bacon and savory beef.
Garnish and Serve
Once the meatballs are out of the oven, sprinkle them with the chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve these irresistible BBQ Bacon Wrapped Cheese Stuffed Meatballs hot and watch them disappear in no time!
Variations and Substitutions
While the classic combination of mozzarella, bacon, and BBQ sauce is a surefire winner, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to your liking:
- Cheese Options: Try using different types of melty cheeses, such as cheddar, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses for additional flavor.
- Meat Alternatives: Ground turkey or pork can be used in place of beef for a different protein option.
- Vegetarian Version: For a plant-based twist, use a vegetarian or vegan ground “meat” alternative and vegan cheese to create meatless meatballs.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different spice blends, such as adding a touch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or incorporating Italian seasoning for an herbal note.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These BBQ Bacon Wrapped Cheese Stuffed Meatballs are perfect for making ahead of time and enjoying throughout the week. Here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Refrigerating: Allow the meatballs to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the meatballs on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the uncooked, bacon-wrapped meatballs for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ 1: What type of cheese is best for stuffing meatballs?
The best types of cheese for stuffing meatballs are those that melt well, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or cream cheese. Mozzarella provides a gooey texture, while cheddar adds a sharp flavor. Cream cheese can create a creamy filling that complements the meatballs nicely.
FAQ 2: How do you keep bacon from getting soggy when wrapping meatballs?
To prevent bacon from getting soggy, you can partially cook the bacon before wrapping it around the meatballs. This allows it to render some fat and start crisping up before baking. Also, cooking the meatballs at a high temperature (around 400°F or 200°C) will help the bacon crisp up during the cooking process.
FAQ 3: Can I make bacon-wrapped cheese stuffed meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time! Prepare the meatballs, stuff them with cheese, and wrap them in bacon. You can then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can freeze them and cook them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
FAQ 4: What can I serve with bacon-wrapped cheese stuffed meatballs?
Bacon-wrapped cheese stuffed meatballs can be served with a variety of sides. Popular options include marinara sauce for dipping, a fresh salad, or garlic bread. They also make a great appetizer for parties and can be paired with toothpicks for easy serving.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
- Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni
- Smothered Chicken with Spinach and Bacon
- Bacon Wrapped BBQ Meatball Skewers
Get ready to wow your friends and family with these irresistible BBQ Bacon Wrapped Cheese Stuffed Meatballs! Packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and flavor variations – the possibilities are endless. Enjoy!
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BBQ Bacon Wrapped Cheese Stuffed Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 18-20 meatballs 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Get ready for the ultimate flavor explosion with these irresistible BBQ Bacon Wrapped Cheese Stuffed Meatballs! This crowd-pleasing recipe combines savory ground beef, melty mozzarella cheese, and crispy bacon – all glazed in a tantalizing barbecue sauce. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or craving a comforting homemade dinner, these meatballs are sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave your guests utterly impressed.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef – Choose a high-quality, freshly ground beef for the best texture and flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Mozzarella melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy center to each meatball.
- 6 slices bacon, cut in half – Crispy bacon wraps around the meatballs, adding a smoky, salty crunch.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – Garlic powder enhances the savory profile of the meatballs.
- 1 tsp onion powder – Onion powder complements the garlic, creating a well-rounded flavor.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika – Smoked paprika lends a subtle hint of smokiness to the meatballs.
- 1/2 tsp salt – A pinch of salt helps to bring out all the other flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – Ground black pepper adds a touch of heat and depth.
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce – Your favorite barbecue sauce ties everything together with its tangy, sweet, and smoky notes.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley – Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous garnish.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will ensure the meatballs cook through while allowing the bacon to crisp up to perfection.
Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix the ingredients until they’re evenly incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
Form the Meatballs
Scoop out a portion of the beef mixture and gently roll it between your palms to form a golf ball-sized meatball. Repeat this process until you’ve used up all the mixture, creating around 18-20 meatballs.
Wrap in Bacon
Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it around each meatball, securing the ends if necessary. This creates a delicious, crispy bacon wrap that seals in the cheesy, meaty goodness.
Bake the Meatballs
Arrange the bacon-wrapped meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the meatballs are cooked through.
Glaze with BBQ Sauce
During the last 5 minutes of baking, brush the meatballs with the BBQ sauce. This allows the sauce to caramelize and create a delectable glaze that complements the smoky bacon and savory beef.
Garnish and Serve
Once the meatballs are out of the oven, sprinkle them with the chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve these irresistible BBQ Bacon Wrapped Cheese Stuffed Meatballs hot and watch them disappear in no time!
Notes
- These meatballs can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- For a plant-based version, use a vegetarian ground meat alternative and vegan cheese.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and spices for unique flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg