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Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs

Juicy beef meatballs baked and glazed in a sticky bourbon BBQ sauce, stuffed into toasted buns, and loaded with melted cheddar and crispy bacon.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 sandwiches
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 780
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatballs
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20 blend preferred
  • 0.5 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
Bourbon BBQ Sauce
  • 1.5 cups BBQ sauce
  • 0.25 cup bourbon whiskey
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Assembly
  • 6 hot dog buns brioche preferred
  • 6 slices bacon cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1.5 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 tbsp butter melted, for buns

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Skillet

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, mix egg, milk, Worcestershire, spices, and breadcrumbs. Let sit 2 mins, then gently mix in ground beef.
  3. Form into 2-inch meatballs and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 18-22 minutes until cooked through (160°F internal).
  4. Meanwhile, cook bacon until crisp, drain, and crumble. Set aside.
  5. In a saucepan, combine BBQ sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, and vinegar. Simmer on low for 10-15 minutes to thicken.
  6. Add baked meatballs to the saucepan and toss until coated in the sticky glaze.
  7. Brush hot dog buns with melted butter and toast until golden brown.
  8. Assemble by placing 3 meatballs in each toasted bun. Top generously with shredded cheddar cheese.
  9. Broil for 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted. Top with crispy bacon and fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

You can prep the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance. To make this alcohol-free, substitute the bourbon with beef broth or apple juice and a dash of liquid smoke.