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