Cowboy Meatballs in Smoky BBQ Sauce
Hearty meatballs packed with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar, simmered in a rich and smoky barbecue sauce.
recipesbynani.comThese Cowboy Meatballs are a true family favorite at my house. They are incredibly savory, thanks to the combination of salty bacon bits and melted cheddar cheese inside each bite. It is the perfect comfort food for those nights when everyone is craving something filling and delicious.
My best tip for these is to make sure you do not overmix the meat when you are forming the balls. If you keep the mixture light, they will stay nice and tender while they simmer in that wonderful barbecue sauce. Serve them over mashed potatoes or with a side of crusty bread to soak up all the extra flavor.
🧺 Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
👩🍳Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, egg, onion, and garlic powder until well combined.
- 3
Form the mixture into round meatballs, about one inch in size, and place them on a baking sheet.
- 4
Bake the meatballs for 15 to 20 minutes until they are browned and cooked through.
- 5
While the meatballs bake, whisk together the barbecue sauce, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce in a large skillet over low heat.
- 6
Gently add the cooked meatballs to the skillet and toss them to coat evenly in the sauce.
- 7
Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes before serving hot.
💡 Tips
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them back into a pan over medium heat with a splash of water to keep the sauce from getting too thick.
Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.
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