Cheeseburger Party Meatballs: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Cheeseburger Party Meatballs: Get ready to ditch the buns and dive headfirst into a flavor explosion! Imagine all the juicy, savory goodness of a classic cheeseburger, but in perfectly poppable, party-ready form. These aren’t your grandma’s meatballs – unless your grandma was secretly a culinary genius with a penchant for American comfort food!

The concept of meatballs, of course, has ancient roots, with variations found across countless cultures. But the idea of transforming a beloved cheeseburger into bite-sized appetizers? That’s a modern marvel, a testament to our enduring love affair with this iconic sandwich. It’s a playful twist on tradition, perfect for gatherings, game days, or even a fun weeknight dinner.

What makes these Cheeseburger Party Meatballs so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The tender, seasoned ground beef, the gooey melted cheese, and the tangy burst of your favorite cheeseburger toppings all come together in a symphony of deliciousness. Plus, they’re incredibly convenient! Forget juggling buns and toppings – just grab a toothpick and enjoy. They are always a crowd-pleaser, and I can’t wait to share my secret to making them absolutely perfect!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
• 1/2 pound ground pork (for added moisture and richness)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
• 1/4 cup finely diced dill pickles, plus extra for serving
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
• 8 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup yellow mustard
• 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Serving Suggestions:

• Sesame seed buns, slider size
• Shredded lettuce
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced red onion
• Extra dill pickle slices
• Your favorite cheeseburger toppings!

Instructions:

Preparing the Meatball Mixture:

1. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef and ground pork. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs. I like to use my hands for this, but a large spoon or spatula works too.
2. Add the panko breadcrumbs, diced yellow onion, and diced dill pickles to the bowl. The pickles add a fantastic tang that really elevates these meatballs!
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten eggs, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. This mixture will help bind the meatballs and add even more flavor.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the meat mixture.
5. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Now, gently mix everything together until just combined. Again, be careful not to overmix! You want the ingredients to be evenly distributed, but the meat should still be tender.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the meat mixture for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and helps the meatballs hold their shape during cooking. I often chill mine for an hour or even longer if I have the time.

Forming and Stuffing the Meatballs:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Remove the meat mixture from the refrigerator.
3. Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, portion out the meat mixture. I find that a tablespoon gives me a good slider-sized meatball.
4. Gently roll each portion into a ball.
5. Using your thumb, make a small indentation in the center of each meatball.
6. Place a cube of cheddar cheese into the indentation.
7. Gently pinch the meat around the cheese to completely enclose it. Make sure the cheese is fully sealed inside to prevent it from melting out during baking.
8. Place the stuffed meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

Baking the Meatballs:

1. Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil. This will help them brown nicely in the oven.
2. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). I always recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked.
3. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce.

Making the Cheeseburger Sauce:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Stir the ingredients together well.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a simmer.
4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together.
5. Remove the sauce from the heat and set aside.

Assembling the Cheeseburger Party Meatballs:

1. Once the meatballs are cooked through, remove them from the oven.
2. Transfer the meatballs to the saucepan with the cheeseburger sauce.
3. Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce to coat them evenly.
4. To serve, place the saucy meatballs on sesame seed buns.
5. Top with shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, sliced red onion, extra dill pickle slices, and any other cheeseburger toppings you desire!
6. Serve immediately and enjoy! These are best served warm.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Pepper jack, Colby jack, or even a sharp provolone would be delicious!
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the sauce for a little extra heat.
• Bun Options: While slider buns are perfect for parties, you can also serve these meatballs on larger hamburger buns or even on top of mashed potatoes or rice.
• Air Fryer Option: You can also cook these meatballs in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through. Be sure to flip them halfway through for even browning.
• Make Ahead: The meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the cooked meatballs for up to 2 months. Just thaw them completely before reheating and tossing in the sauce.
• Serving for a Crowd: For a larger party, you can keep the meatballs warm in a slow cooker on the warm setting. This is a great way to ensure they stay hot and ready to serve throughout the event.
• Ground Turkey Option: If you prefer, you can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef. Just be sure to use a blend that isn’t too lean, as the meatballs can become dry.

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let’s recap why these Cheeseburger Party Meatballs are about to become your new go-to appetizer (or even a fun weeknight dinner!). We’ve taken everything you love about a classic cheeseburger – that juicy, savory beef, the melty cheese, the tangy toppings – and packed it all into a bite-sized, party-perfect package. Seriously, what’s not to love?

These aren’t just any meatballs; they’re a flavor explosion! The combination of seasoned ground beef, that secret ingredient (shhh!), and the gooey cheese center creates a taste sensation that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!). Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, a casual get-together, or just craving a fun and satisfying snack, these meatballs are guaranteed to be a hit.

But the best part? The versatility! While I’ve given you my tried-and-true recipe, feel free to get creative and customize these little guys to your liking. Want to kick up the heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or serve them with a spicy sriracha mayo. Craving something a little different? Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You could even experiment with different cheeses – pepper jack for a zesty kick, or provolone for a milder flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

* Serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks and your favorite dipping sauces, like ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.
* Pile them high on slider buns for mini cheeseburger sandwiches.
* Toss them with pasta and marinara sauce for a fun and flavorful twist on spaghetti and meatballs.
* Add them to a salad for a protein-packed lunch or dinner.
* Get really creative and use them as a topping for pizza!

And don’t forget the toppings! A sprinkle of sesame seeds, a dollop of dill relish, or a few chopped pickles can really take these meatballs to the next level. I personally love serving them with a side of crispy french fries or onion rings for the ultimate cheeseburger experience.

I truly believe that these Cheeseburger Party Meatballs are a must-try recipe. They’re fun, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. They are also a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience cheeseburger bliss in every bite!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how much everyone enjoyed them. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to see all of your delicious creations!

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