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If you love burger taste but hate the mess, you'll go wild for these BBQ cheeseburger meatballs. They're smoky, gooey, cheesy, and glazed with sticky BBQ sauce—seriously bite-sized burger bliss for parties and easy dinners.
First made these for my son’s party since I needed food I could just stick on the counter and not worry about. They were so popular people keep asking for them at every game day since.
Mouthwatering Ingredients
- BBQ sauce is that sweet, sticky glaze you’ll brush on at the end
- Smoked paprika brings an indoor smoky flavor like the grill
- Garlic powder and onion powder crank up the taste without chopping veggies
- Worcestershire sauce adds burger vibes and extra punch
- Milk keeps everything nice and moist
- Egg lets meatballs stick together so they keep their shape
- Breadcrumbs help bind stuff and make sure they stay soft
- Shredded cheddar cheese gets melty inside for pockets of goodness
- Ground beef, 80/20 keeps things juicy and tender
Simple Step-by-Step Directions
- Final BBQ Glaze
- Take out the meatballs and brush over lots of BBQ sauce. Don’t hold back, but keep it from pooling around them.
- Last Quick Bake
- Pop back in for maybe 3-5 minutes until the BBQ sauce is bubbly and a tiny bit caramelized, but watch so it doesn’t burn.
- Bake Meatballs
- Place the tray in your already hot oven. Bake 15-18 minutes so the meatballs turn brown outside and hit 165°F inside. They’ll be firm but springy when done.
- Shape Your Meatballs
- Take about 2 tablespoons of mix and roll it in your palms into 1½ inch balls. If your hands are a little damp, the mix won’t stick. Spread them out on the tray so they brown evenly.
- Mix It All Together
- Put everything except BBQ sauce and parsley in a big bowl. Gently mush it up with your hands, but don’t keep mixing once the cheese’s spread throughout—overdoing it makes meatballs tough.
- Get Your Oven and Tray Ready
- Heat oven to 400°F so you get a good outside crust. Cover a baking sheet with foil or baking paper, spray a little cooking oil so nothing sticks.
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I discovered smoked paprika on a camping trip when we roasted burgers over wood. That flavor stuck with me, so I tried adding it to these and it nailed that campfire taste at home. Now I never skip it.
Easy Prep Ahead
These meatballs really make meal prep a breeze. Roll them up a day ahead and stash them in the fridge until it’s time to cook. For the freezer, line a tray, freeze meatballs raw, then toss them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep fine for three months. When ready, bake them straight from the freezer—just let them go five extra minutes.
Ways to Serve
Stick toothpicks in these for a perfect snack, but they’re also great as dinner. Pile ’em over mashed potatoes and drizzle more BBQ sauce on top—serious comfort food. Toss a few into a hoagie with sautéed onions and melty cheese, or keep it light with a salad and ranch dressing for that classic burger-and-salad combo.
Best Pairings
Since these are pretty rich and tasty, try sides that keep it interesting. Go for sweet potato fries or creamy coleslaw to balance out the barbecue. Craft beer or lemonade cuts the richness just right. Kids love them with chocolate milk—just like a burger night at home.
Common Queries
- → Can I use something else instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Switch out ground beef for turkey, chicken, or pork. Just tweak the seasonings to match the flavor of the meat you choose.
- → Which BBQ sauce is the best?
Pick a BBQ sauce that matches your favorite taste—sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy. Either store-bought or homemade works great.
- → How do I make sure the meatballs stay moist?
Don’t overmix the meat and be sure to add moisture-boosting ingredients like egg, breadcrumbs, and milk to keep them tender.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
For sure! Shape the meatballs beforehand and store in the fridge for up to a day. Bake and brush with BBQ sauce when you’re ready to serve.
- → Is there a gluten-free version?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check that your BBQ sauce is gluten-free to make it work.
- → What sides go well with these meatballs?
Pair them with mashed potatoes, toasted veggies, or coleslaw for a complete meal everyone will love.