Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs (Print View)
Juicy beef meatballs with bacon, cheddar, and tangy bourbon barbecue sauce.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meatball Base
01 -
2 pounds ground beef
02 -
1 cup breadcrumbs
03 -
1 large egg
04 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
05 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
07 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Filling & Finishing
08 -
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
09 -
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
→ Glaze
10 -
1/2 cup bourbon
11 -
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
12 -
3 tablespoons brown sugar
13 -
1 tablespoon ketchup
14 -
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
15 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
# Directions:
01 -
In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until just integrated.
02 -
Gently incorporate the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese into the meat mixture.
03 -
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and position a rack in the center.
04 -
Roll mixture into uniform balls approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and set aside on a tray.
05 -
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove each batch and set aside.
06 -
Lower the heat, then add bourbon, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, and Dijon mustard to the skillet. Stir constantly until sauce is smooth and beginning to simmer.
07 -
Return all meatballs to the skillet, gently turning to ensure they are well-coated with the glaze.
08 -
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake 15 to 20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and sauce is bubbling.
09 -
Remove the skillet from the oven. Allow meatballs to rest several minutes before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
Thoroughly mix meatball ingredients for even texture but avoid overworking to maintain tenderness.
02 -
For uniform meatballs, use a cookie scoop or lightly oiled hands.