If you are craving a flavor-packed, juicy, and utterly satisfying dish, the Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe takes all the best parts of a cheeseburger—the smokiness of turkey bacon, the melty Swiss cheese, and the tang of dill pickles—and transforms them into perfect little meatballs that are fun to eat and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving these at a casual get-together or just want to treat yourself on a weeknight, these meatballs deliver incredible taste with a comforting familiarity that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs Recipe plays an essential role. The mix of lean ground beef ensures a tender base, while the turkey bacon adds a smoky contrast. Swiss cheese lends richness and meltiness, and the dill pickles provide that classic cheeseburger zing. Each element combines seamlessly without complicating the process.
- 1 lb. lean ground beef: Choose lean for a balance of flavor without excess grease.
- 2 tsp. steak seasoning: Adds a robust, savory blend to elevate the meatballs.
- 1/2 tsp. fresh-ground black pepper: Brings just the right amount of heat and depth.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together perfectly.
- 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and chopped: Provides smoky, crispy texture in every bite.
- 1/4 cup chopped dill pickle: Injects a tangy crunch reminiscent of your favorite burger toppings.
- 4 oz. Swiss cheese, cut into small cubes: Makes for delightful, gooey pockets inside each meatball.
- Olive oil for brushing: Helps achieve that beautiful golden sear on the grill pan.
How to Make Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Meat and Seasonings
Start by gently combining the ground beef with steak seasoning, fresh-ground black pepper, and the egg in a mixing bowl. The egg is key for binding everything so your meatballs won’t fall apart during cooking. This step brings all those classic cheeseburger flavors together into one delicious mixture.
Step 2: Add Bacon, Pickles, and Cheese
Next, fold in the smoky chopped turkey bacon, the bright pop of dill pickles, and the cubed Swiss cheese. Be careful not to overmix—just combine enough so that every bite will have a perfect balance of ingredients.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Take about a quarter cup of the mixture and form it into a ball. When shaping each meatball, tuck a cube of Swiss cheese inside to create a melty surprise as they cook. This is the moment that turns these meatballs from ordinary to extraordinary.
Step 4: Chill Before Cooking
Place the formed meatballs in the fridge for 30 to 40 minutes. Chilling helps them hold their shape, making grilling easier and ensuring that the cheese stays nicely enclosed without oozing out too quickly.
Step 5: Preheat and Oil the Grill Pan
Before cooking, heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the meatballs with olive oil to promote an even sear and to bring out that mouthwatering caramelized exterior.
Step 6: Grill to Perfection
Grill the meatballs, rotating every two minutes so they brown evenly on all sides. Cooking until the internal temperature reaches 160°F ensures they are juicy and safe to eat. This process develops a flavorful crust that’s irresistible.
Step 7: Serve Warm with Dipping Sauce
Once nicely charred and cooked through, serve these burgers in bite-sized form with your favorite dipping sauce. Whether it’s ketchup, mustard, or a creamy aioli, the options are endless and enhance the cheeseburger vibe.
How to Serve Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like extra chopped dill pickles, freshly chopped chives, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese can elevate the presentation and flavor profile. These small touches add freshness, color, and an extra layer of brightness to the dish.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like crispy French fries or a fresh garden salad pair wonderfully with these meatballs. For a more indulgent plate, creamy mashed potatoes or a buttery corn on the cob round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the meatballs on mini slider buns for an elevated party appetizer or skewer them for a fun finger food experience. You could also create a cheeseburger meatball sub with melted cheese and pickles inside a toasted hoagie roll for a tasty twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows you to quickly reheat them for a delicious snack or add to salads and sandwiches without losing any of their juicy flavor.
Freezing
To freeze, place uncooked formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, and they keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, cook them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the grilling time.
Reheating
Reheat cooked meatballs gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the exterior crisp and the cheese melted perfectly inside.
FAQs
Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Absolutely! Regular bacon will add more smokiness and fat, which makes the meatballs even richer. Just be mindful of the added grease and adjust seasoning accordingly.
What cheese works best if I don’t have Swiss?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack are great substitutes. Choose one that melts well and complements the smoky and tangy flavors in the meatballs.
Can I bake these instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes or until cooked through. Just place them on a baking sheet and turn halfway to get an even browning.
Are these meatballs suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. They hold up well in the fridge and freeze beautifully. Prepare a big batch for easy lunches or dinners during the week.
How spicy are these meatballs?
The recipe has a mild peppery kick from the black pepper and savory steak seasoning, but you can always add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce if you want to spice things up.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs Recipe is the perfect fusion of comfort and creativity that will make your taste buds sing. Easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests, these meatballs bring all the best parts of a cheeseburger into a fun and flavorful bite. I’m confident once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation—so grab your ingredients and get cooking!
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Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes plus 30-40 minutes chilling
- Yield: 8 meatballs (approximately 8 servings)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs combine juicy lean ground beef with flavorful turkey bacon, Swiss cheese, and dill pickles for a delicious twist on classic cheeseburgers. Perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection, these meatballs make a great appetizer or main dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 2 tsp. steak seasoning
- 1/2 tsp. fresh-ground black pepper
- 1 egg
- 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped dill pickle
- 4 oz. Swiss cheese, cut into small cubes
For Cooking
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef with steak seasoning, freshly ground black pepper, and egg to form a well-seasoned base for the meatballs.
- Add Mix-ins: Stir in the cooked and chopped turkey bacon, chopped dill pickles, and Swiss cheese cubes until just combined, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1/4 cup each. Make sure to tuck some cheese inside each meatball for a melty surprise.
- Chill: Place the formed meatballs in the fridge and chill for 30 to 40 minutes to help them hold their shape during cooking.
- Preheat Grill Pan: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the meatballs lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote browning.
- Grill Meatballs: Cook the meatballs on the grill pan, turning them every 2 minutes until they are browned on all sides and reach an internal temperature of 160°F, ensuring they are safely cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs hot with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious and fun meal.
Notes
- Cooking turkey bacon before adding it to the meatball mix adds extra flavor and texture.
- Chilling the meatballs before cooking helps them keep their shape and cook evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F.
- Feel free to substitute Swiss cheese with cheddar or your preferred cheese for variety.
- These meatballs work great as an appetizer or served over a salad or bun as a main dish.
