Are you ready to experience a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing with joy? Get ready to indulge in the ultimate Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs with Tangy Sauce – a dish that’s about to become your new obsession! This recipe is a game-changer, taking classic meatballs to a whole new level of deliciousness. Prepare to wow your family and friends with this epic, mouth-watering creation.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs with Tangy Sauce
Imagine the perfect blend of savory, smoky, and tangy flavors, all wrapped up in a juicy meatball and cocooned in a crispy bacon blanket. This dish is a flavor symphony that will leave you craving more with every bite. The smoky BBQ glaze adds a delightful depth of flavor, while the tangy sauce provides a delectable contrast that will have you reaching for seconds (or thirds!). Get ready to experience a culinary adventure that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary food experience.
Ingredients
Gather up your ingredients for this insane Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs with Tangy Sauce recipe. You’ll need ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, smoky BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thick-cut bacon. Prepare to embark on a flavor explosion like never before!
- 2 lbs – Ground beef
- 1 cup – Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 medium – Onion, diced
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 cup – Smoky BBQ sauce
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or chicken (for a leaner option)
- Spice Level: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes (for a spicier kick)
How to Make Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs with Tangy Sauce
Alright, y’all! Let’s get down to business and whip up these mouthwatering Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs with Tangy Sauce. Follow along closely, because this is about to be the best thing you’ve ever tasted.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, 1/2 cup of the smoky BBQ sauce, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Mix everything together until well incorporated.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Using your hands, form the meat mixture into bite-sized meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. Wrap each meatball in a slice of thick-cut bacon, overlapping the ends to secure it in place. Arrange the bacon-wrapped meatballs on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the meatballs are cooked through. In the meantime, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup of smoky BBQ sauce, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a small bowl to create the tangy sauce.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the tangy sauce over the top, making sure each meatball is coated in the delicious goodness. Y’all, I’m telling you, this is about to be the star of the show!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Flavor Twists: Try using different BBQ sauce flavors, such as honey mustard or spicy chipotle, for a unique twist.
- Spice it Up: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture for an extra kick of heat.
- Time-Saving Shortcut: Use pre-made meatballs and simply wrap them in bacon before baking.
- Cheese Please: Stuff the meatballs with your favorite cheese, like cheddar or pepper jack, for an ooey-gooey surprise.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh side salad.
Storage: Store the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the meatballs in the oven or microwave before serving.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the meatball mixture in advance and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble and bake.
Nutrition Information
These Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs with Tangy Sauce are a delicious indulgence, but they can also be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Each serving provides a good source of protein, while the smoky BBQ sauce and tangy dipping sauce add a burst of flavor without overwhelming the calorie count.
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 15 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatball mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake. Simply wrap them in bacon and bake when you’re ready to serve.
How can I make these meatballs healthier?
To make a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also reduce the amount of bacon or use a leaner bacon variety. Serving the meatballs with a side of roasted vegetables can also help balance the dish.
Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes, you can! Bake the meatballs and let them cool completely. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
How can I make the tangy sauce even more flavorful?
To amplify the tangy flavor, you can add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to the sauce. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, or dried oregano.
Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?
Absolutely! While ground beef is the classic choice, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a blend of different meats. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Try These Next
- Smoky Applewood Pulled Pork Sliders With Tangy Bbq Sauce
- Smoky Bbq Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf With Maple Glaze
- Smoky Bbq Pulled Pork Sliders With Maple Mustard Sauce
Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs with Tangy Sauce
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍖 SMOKE HOUSE
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savory meatballs wrapped in crispy bacon, infused with smoky BBQ flavors and served with a tangy sauce. Perfect for parties or a cozy family dinner!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 large egg
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
8–10 slices of bacon
1 cup BBQ sauce
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Wrap each meatball with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
5. Place the bacon-wrapped meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. In a small bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.
7. Brush the sauce over the bacon-wrapped meatballs.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the meatballs are cooked through.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the meatballs in the BBQ sauce for a few hours before baking.
Serve with additional BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: meatballs, BBQ, bacon, smoky, party food