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These smoky BBQ cheeseburger meatballs transform your favorite burger flavors into irresistible bite-sized delights perfect for game day gatherings or weeknight dinners. The gooey cheese inside and sticky BBQ glaze create the ultimate comfort food experience without the mess of traditional burgers.
I created these meatballs for my son's birthday party when I needed something that could feed a crowd without requiring constant attention. They were such a hit that they've become our mandatory game day tradition.
Ingredients
- Ground beef with 80/20 fat content ensures juicy meatballs with the perfect texture
- Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully inside creating pockets of gooey goodness
- Breadcrumbs act as a binding agent while keeping the meatballs tender
- Egg provides structure so your meatballs hold their shape
- Milk adds moisture and prevents the meatballs from becoming too dense
- Worcestershire sauce brings that classic burger umami flavor
- Garlic powder and onion powder deliver concentrated flavor without the texture of fresh aromatics
- Smoked paprika gives that crucial backyard grill flavor even when baking indoors
- BBQ sauce creates a sticky glaze that caramelizes slightly in the oven
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
- Preheat your oven to a hot 400°F which will help form a nice crust on the meatballs. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup and give it a light spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Mix Your Ingredients
- Combine all ingredients except the BBQ sauce and parsley in a large bowl. Use clean hands to gently mix everything together until just combined. The key here is not to overwork the meat which can make your meatballs tough. You want to see the cheese distributed throughout but stop mixing as soon as everything is incorporated.
- Form Your Meatballs
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture and roll between your palms to form 1½-inch balls. Slightly wet hands prevent sticking and help create smooth meatballs. Place them evenly on the baking sheet ensuring they have a little space between them for even browning.
- Bake Until Golden
- Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. You want them nicely browned on the outside and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. They should be firm to the touch but still yield slightly when pressed.
- Glaze With BBQ Sauce
- Remove the meatballs from the oven and generously brush each one with your favorite BBQ sauce. Use enough to fully coat the tops but not so much that it pools on the baking sheet.
- Finish With A Final Bake
- Return the glazed meatballs to the oven for 3-5 more minutes. This final bake sets the sauce creating a sticky sweet glaze that makes them irresistible. The sauce should look slightly caramelized but not burned.
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The smoked paprika is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its transformative power after a camping trip where we cooked burgers over a wood fire. That smoky flavor was so memorable I had to find a way to recreate it at home, and smoked paprika delivers that exact essence.
Make-Ahead Magic
These meatballs shine in the meal prep department. You can form them up to 24 hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. For longer storage, freeze the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag where they'll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, just add about 5 minutes to the baking time, no thawing necessary.
Serving Suggestions
While these meatballs make fantastic appetizers served with toothpicks, they truly shine as the star of a complete meal. Try them over creamy mashed potatoes with the extra BBQ sauce drizzled on top for a comfort food masterpiece. They also work beautifully in submarine sandwiches with melted provolone and caramelized onions. For a lighter option, serve them alongside a crisp green salad with ranch dressing for that classic burger-and-salad combination.
Perfect Pairings
The smoky, sweet flavor profile of these meatballs pairs wonderfully with sides that complement rather than compete. Consider serving them with creamy coleslaw for a cooling contrast or sweet potato fries for a complementary sweetness. For beverages, a cold craft beer or lemonade cuts through the richness perfectly, while kids adore them with chocolate milk just like they would enjoy with a traditional burger.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Yes, you can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Adjust seasonings to complement the chosen protein.
- → What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Choose a BBQ sauce that matches your flavor preference—sweet, tangy, smoky, or spicy. Homemade or store-bought both work well.
- → How do I prevent the meatballs from drying out?
To keep them juicy, avoid overworking the meat mixture and ensure you include binder ingredients like egg, breadcrumbs, and milk.
- → Can I prepare these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, form the meatballs in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake and glaze them with BBQ sauce before serving.
- → Can these be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives and ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free as well.
- → What side dishes pair well with these meatballs?
Try serving them with creamy mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.