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- 1 lb (450g) ground beef - 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup (75g) finely diced onion - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 large egg - 1/4 cup (60ml) BBQ sauce (plus extra for topping) - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese Make sure to use a kitchen scale for accuracy. This ensures your meatballs turn out great. For the cheese, I recommend shredding it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often has additives that can change texture. Chopped fresh parsley adds a nice color and taste. You can also consider adding pickles or sliced jalapeños for extra zing. If you want a fun twist, serve the meatballs on mini buns for sliders. {{ingredient_image_2}} Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for even cooking. Make sure it reaches the right temperature before baking. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, diced onion, and minced garlic. Add the egg, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to blend everything well. You want the mix to be even, so each meatball has great flavor. Scoop out portions of the mixture. Roll them into balls about 1.5 inches wide. Aim for 16 to 20 meatballs total. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps keep them from sticking. Bake your meatballs for 20 minutes in the preheated oven. This helps them cook through and become firm. The smell will start to fill your kitchen! After 20 minutes, take the baking sheet out of the oven. Flip each meatball gently. Top them with shredded cheddar cheese and add a drizzle of BBQ sauce. This step turns them into a cheeseburger delight. Put the meatballs back in the oven for another 5 minutes. Watch for the cheese to melt and become bubbly. It should look golden and delicious. Once done, let the meatballs cool for a few minutes. You can garnish them with chopped parsley for color. Serve them on a platter with extra BBQ sauce for dipping. For a fun twist, place them on mini buns to make sliders! To make your meatballs juicy, use fresh ground beef with a higher fat content. I suggest 80/20 beef for the best results. Don't overmix the meat; mix just until combined. This keeps them tender. Also, let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices settle. You can change the flavor with simple swaps. Try adding chopped jalapeños for heat or diced bell peppers for sweetness. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme add a nice touch. If you love spice, add smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the mix. You can also use different BBQ sauces to create your own flavor profile. Avoid overcooking the meatballs. Keep an eye on the time; they should be golden but not dry. Don't skip the cheese topping; it adds richness. Also, make sure to space the meatballs on the baking sheet. This allows heat to circulate, helping them cook evenly. Lastly, remember to let them cool before serving. This makes them easier to handle and tastier! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh onions and garlic for a more robust flavor in your meatballs. Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined to keep the meatballs tender and juicy. Experiment with BBQ Sauce: Try different BBQ sauces to customize the flavor profile of your meatballs—smoky, sweet, or spicy! Rest Before Serving: Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute for optimal flavor. {{image_4}} Cheese makes everything better, right? For BBQ cheeseburger meatballs, you can get creative. While I love using sharp cheddar, you might enjoy other options too. Here are a few ideas: - Monterey Jack: This cheese melts well and adds a creamy touch. - Pepper Jack: If you like a little kick, this cheese brings heat. - Mozzarella: Use this for a gooey cheese pull that everyone loves. Feel free to mix and match! Combining cheeses can also boost flavor and texture. Want to spice it up? Adjusting the heat is simple. Here’s how: - Add Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch can add warmth. - Use Spicy BBQ Sauce: Swap regular sauce for a spicy version. - Jalapeños: Finely diced jalapeños can pack a punch. You can make these meatballs as spicy as you want. Just taste as you go! You can cook BBQ cheeseburger meatballs in different ways. Here are some methods to try: - Grilling: Grill the meatballs to give them a smoky flavor. Preheat the grill, then cook until browned. - Slow Cooking: For a tender bite, use a slow cooker. Combine meatballs and BBQ sauce, then cook on low for several hours. - Pan-Frying: For a crispy outside, pan-fry the meatballs in a bit of oil until golden. Experiment with these methods to find your favorite way to cook BBQ cheeseburger meatballs! After you make your BBQ cheeseburger meatballs, let them cool. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. When you want to eat them, just take out the amount you need. These meatballs freeze well! To freeze, let them cool completely. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for 1 to 2 hours until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy them, just thaw in the fridge overnight. For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also use a microwave. Just heat them in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes. If they seem dry, add a splash of BBQ sauce before heating. This keeps them juicy and tasty! You can serve BBQ cheeseburger meatballs with many sides. Some great options include: - French fries: Crispy and salty, they match well. - Coleslaw: The crunch adds freshness. - Pickles: They give a tangy bite. - Corn on the cob: Sweet corn pairs nicely. - Mini buns: Turn them into sliders for fun! To make this recipe gluten-free, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. Ensure your BBQ sauce is also gluten-free. Many brands offer this option. Check the labels to be sure. Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute. It will make the meatballs lighter. Use the same amount as the beef. You may want to add a bit more seasoning to boost the flavor. To check if meatballs are cooked, use a meat thermometer. They should reach 165°F (74°C). If you cut one open, it should not be pink inside. The juices should run clear. The best BBQ sauce depends on your taste. A tangy sauce works well for balance. If you like heat, go for a spicy option. Sweet BBQ sauce can add a nice touch too. Try different types to find your favorite! In this post, we covered the key ingredients and detailed steps for making BBQ cheeseburger meatballs. We also shared tips for juicy meatballs and different cooking methods. Remember, you can customize spices and cheese for unique flavors. Proper storage keeps leftovers fresh, and my FAQs answer common questions. Enjoy these flavorful bites at your next meal. Trust your skills, and have fun experimenting with this tasty dish!

BBQ Cheeseburger Meatballs

Delicious meatballs made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and BBQ sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup finely diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for topping)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it's ready for baking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, diced onion, minced garlic, egg, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  • Using your hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into meatballs, roughly 1.5 inches in diameter. This should yield about 16-20 meatballs. Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
  • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing them to cook and firm up.
  • After 20 minutes, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Flip each meatball over gently using tongs or a spatula. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each meatball and drizzle a bit more BBQ sauce over them.
  • Return the meatballs to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
  • Once baked, remove from the oven and let the meatballs cool for a few minutes. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.

Notes

Serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping or on mini buns as sliders.
Keyword BBQ, cheeseburger, meatballs