If you’re a taco lover and enjoy the crispy, savory goodness of bacon, then you’ll be head over heels for these Bacon-Wrapped Taco Stuffed Meatballs! The combination of juicy ground beef and pork mixed with zesty taco seasoning, creamy cheddar cheese, and tangy salsa, all wrapped in crispy bacon, creates the ultimate flavor-packed bite. These meatballs are perfect for any gathering, whether it’s game day, a casual dinner, or a party with friends. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish in no time. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the ingredients, preparation process, tips, and variations, ensuring your Bacon-Wrapped Taco Stuffed Meatballs turn out perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love Bacon-Wrapped Taco Stuffed Meatballs
These Bacon-Wrapped Taco Stuffed Meatballs are the epitome of delicious indulgence. Imagine the juicy, flavorful meatball that’s packed with cheddar cheese and salsa, all wrapped in crispy bacon—what’s not to love? Each bite combines rich, savory flavors with a delightful crunch. The taco seasoning gives it that classic taco flavor, while the cheese adds a gooey, melty texture that takes these meatballs to the next level. Whether you’re serving them as a game day snack or a fun family dinner, these meatballs will steal the show.
Ingredients for Bacon-Wrapped Taco Stuffed Meatballs
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these Bacon-Wrapped Taco Stuffed Meatballs:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 lb ground pork
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 packet taco seasoning
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1 cup salsa
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12 slices of bacon
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¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
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¼ cup diced onion
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
These ingredients are simple but full of flavor, ensuring your meatballs have a delicious and satisfying taste. The blend of ground beef and pork gives these meatballs a rich, juicy texture, while the cheddar cheese and salsa provide a perfect balance of creaminess and tang.
Tips for Ingredient Substitutions
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Ground Beef: If you’re looking for a leaner alternative, you can use ground turkey instead of beef. Just be aware that the texture may be slightly different.
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Bacon: If you’re not a fan of bacon or prefer a different flavor, turkey bacon or prosciutto can also work as a substitute.
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Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheese types, like pepper jack or Monterey Jack, for a spicier or milder flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Bacon-Wrapped Taco Stuffed Meatballs
Making Bacon-Wrapped Taco Stuffed Meatballs is easy, and the end result is worth the effort. Here’s how to prepare this delicious dish step-by-step:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the meatballs cook evenly and the bacon gets crispy without burning.
Step 2: Mix the Meat
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, taco seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s fully combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Once your meat mixture is ready, take a handful and roll it into a ball about the size of a golf ball. You should be able to make about 12 meatballs from the mixture. Make sure they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
Step 4: Stuff the Meatballs
Using your finger, create a small indentation in the center of each meatball. This is where you’ll stuff the cheese and salsa. Start by placing a small amount of cheddar cheese into the center of each meatball. Then, add a spoonful of salsa over the cheese. Be careful not to overstuff, as it may cause the meatball to break apart when wrapping with bacon.
Step 5: Wrap the Meatballs in Bacon
Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each meatball. The bacon should fully cover the meatball to ensure it crisps up nicely in the oven. If necessary, secure the bacon with a toothpick to hold it in place. This bacon-wrapped layer adds flavor and a satisfying crunch to every bite.
Step 6: Bake the Meatballs
Arrange the bacon-wrapped meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the meatballs are cooked through. You may want to check the internal temperature of the meatballs to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the meatballs are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and discard any toothpicks. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro and diced onion on top for added freshness and flavor. Serve the meatballs with extra salsa on the side for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Taco Stuffed Meatballs
To ensure your Bacon-Wrapped Taco Stuffed Meatballs come out perfect every time, here are a few helpful tips:
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Use Toothpicks for Extra Security: If you’re having trouble getting the bacon to stay in place, toothpicks can be a lifesaver. Just make sure to remove them before serving.
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Don’t Overstuff the Meatballs: While it’s tempting to stuff the meatballs with a lot of cheese and salsa, overstuffing them can cause the filling to spill out during cooking. A small spoonful is all you need.
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Use Thick-Cut Bacon: If you’re looking for extra crispy bacon, use thick-cut bacon. It will hold its shape better and won’t shrink as much during cooking.
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Check Bacon for Crispiness: If the bacon isn’t crispy enough for your liking, you can broil the meatballs for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
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Make Ahead: These meatballs can be made ahead of time. Simply assemble the meatballs, wrap them in bacon, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. This is great for meal prepping or making them the night before a big event.
How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Taco Stuffed Meatballs
These meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
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As an appetizer: Serve them as a party appetizer with extra salsa and guacamole for dipping.
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With a side of rice: Serve them with a side of Mexican rice and beans for a complete meal.
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On a taco salad: For a fun twist, serve these meatballs over a bed of lettuce with taco toppings like sour cream, cheese, and avocado.
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In taco shells: You can also serve these meatballs inside soft taco shells, topped with your favorite taco fixings.
Nutritional Information
Each Bacon-Wrapped Taco Stuffed Meatball has approximately:
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Calories: 280-300 per meatball
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Protein: 20g
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Fat: 22g
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Carbs: 2g
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Fiber: 0g
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Sugar: 1g
These meatballs are high in protein and fat, making them an excellent option for a keto or low-carb diet.
Variations of Bacon-Wrapped Taco Stuffed Meatballs
While the classic Bacon-Wrapped Taco Stuffed Meatballs recipe is a crowd-pleaser, you can mix things up by trying out different variations. Here are a few ideas:
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Spicy Jalapeño: Add finely diced jalapeños to the meat mixture for a spicy kick. You can also top the meatballs with sliced jalapeños for an extra layer of heat.
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Cheese Variations: Switch up the cheese! Try using pepper jack for a spicier version or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra meltiness.
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Ground Chicken or Turkey: For a leaner option, you can replace the beef and pork with ground chicken or turkey.
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BBQ Taco Meatballs: Instead of salsa, use BBQ sauce to stuff the meatballs for a smoky, sweet flavor.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you love Bacon-Wrapped Taco Stuffed Meatballs, here are some other recipes that you’ll want to try:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bacon-Wrapped Taco Stuffed Meatballs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef and pork for these meatballs?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to beef and pork. However, the texture might be slightly different, and the meatballs may be less juicy.
2. How can I make these meatballs spicier?
For a spicier version, add finely chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. You can also drizzle some hot sauce over the meatballs before serving.
3. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and wrap them in bacon, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is perfect for meal prepping or making them ahead of a party.
4. How do I ensure the bacon stays crispy on the meatballs?
To ensure crispy bacon, use thick-cut bacon and bake the meatballs at 375°F (190°C). If needed, you can broil them for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking for extra crispiness.
Conclusion
Bacon-Wrapped Taco Stuffed Meatballs are the ultimate indulgent treat, combining the irresistible flavors of bacon, taco-seasoned beef and pork, cheddar cheese, and salsa. Whether you’re serving them for game day, a family dinner, or a party, they are sure to be a hit. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, these meatballs are the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. Try them out today and enjoy a tasty, taco-inspired twist on your classic meatball recipe!
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Bacon-Wrapped Taco Stuffed Meatballs Recipe for Dinner
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 meatballs 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Bacon-Wrapped Taco Stuffed Meatballs are bold, cheesy, and irresistibly smoky! Loaded with taco seasoning, melty cheddar, and wrapped in crispy bacon, they’re perfect for game days, parties, or a family taco night with a twist.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1 lb ground pork
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 packet taco seasoning
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1 cup salsa
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12 slices of bacon
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¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
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¼ cup diced onion
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large bowl, mix ground beef, ground pork, taco seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
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Shape into 12 equal-sized meatballs (about golf-ball size).
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Stuff each meatball by pressing in the center and adding cheddar cheese and a spoonful of salsa. Seal the meatball around the filling.
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Wrap each meatball with a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.
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Bake on a lined sheet for 25–30 minutes or until bacon is crisp and meatballs are cooked through.
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Garnish with chopped cilantro and diced onion. Serve with extra salsa on the side.
Notes
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Swap pork for more beef or ground turkey if preferred.
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Want more kick? Use spicy salsa or add jalapeños to the filling.
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These freeze well—just reheat in the oven until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 215 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Bacon-Wrapped Taco Stuffed Meatballs, Taco Meatballs, Stuffed Meatballs, Bacon Meatballs, Cheesy Meatballs