Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs capture all the juicy, smoky, and cheesy decadence of a classic bacon cheeseburger — but without the bun! These low-carb bites feature lean ground beef, crumbled bacon, tangy dill pickles, and pockets of gooey melted Swiss cheese. They’re perfect for grilling season, game day, or anytime you crave the familiar comfort of a cheeseburger, transformed into a fun and shareable dish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 2 teaspoon steak seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 egg
• 6 slices bacon, crisped and crumbled
• 1/4 cup chopped dill pickle
• 4 oz. Swiss cheese, cut into small cubes
• Olive oil for brushing

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, crumble the ground beef and sprinkle it with steak seasoning and black pepper. Add the egg.
2. Crisp the bacon and crumble it. Dice the pickles and cut the Swiss cheese into small cubes.
3. Add the crumbled bacon, diced pickles, and cheese cubes to the ground beef. Gently combine the mixture using your hands. Avoid over-mixing to keep the meatballs tender.
4. Scoop out about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture and form into meatballs, tucking the cheese cubes inside as you shape them.
5. Place the meatballs on a small baking sheet and refrigerate for 30–40 minutes to help them hold their shape.
6. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place a grilling pan or stovetop grill pan on the grill to heat up.
7. Remove the meatballs from the fridge and brush them with olive oil to help prevent sticking.
8. Place the meatballs on the grilling pan and cook, turning them every 2 minutes to brown all sides.
9. Check for doneness after about 15 minutes, aiming for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one open to check that it’s fully cooked inside.
10. Serve the meatballs hot, with your favorite dipping sauce — a fry sauce or classic burger sauce works beautifully!

Cook’s Notes

These Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in all sorts of ways to match the vibe of your meal. Try them skewered with toothpicks for an easy appetizer, nestled in lettuce cups for a low-carb main, or even stacked high on a party platter with dipping sauces for a fun twist on burger night. Sprinkle with fresh herbs for a pop of color and fresh flavor!

These meatballs can be made ahead and reheat well, so consider making a double batch. They’re perfect for meal prepping or serving as an easy crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next barbecue!