Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger Flavor (Printable Version)

Tender meatballs blend smoky bacon, bourbon, cheddar, and BBQ glaze for rich, hearty flavor.

# Ingredients Required:

→ Meatball mixture

01 - 454 g ground beef
02 - 60 g breadcrumbs
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 15 ml Worcestershire sauce
05 - 5 g garlic powder
06 - 5 g onion powder
07 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Add-ins

08 - 4 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
09 - 115 g shredded cheddar cheese

→ Sauce

10 - 60 ml bourbon
11 - 60 ml barbecue sauce
12 - 25 g brown sugar
13 - 15 ml ketchup
14 - 5 ml Dijon mustard

→ Cooking

15 - 15 ml olive oil

# Guide to Cooking:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until just combined.
02 - Carefully fold in crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture.
03 - Set the oven to 190°C to preheat.
04 - Form the mixture into small meatballs approximately 2.5 to 3.8 cm in diameter.
05 - Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat and brown meatballs on all sides in batches. Remove and set aside.
06 - Reduce heat to low, then add bourbon, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, and Dijon mustard to the skillet. Stir until smooth and simmering.
07 - Return meatballs to the skillet and toss gently to coat them with the sauce.
08 - Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and sauce is bubbly.
09 - Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - For added heat, incorporate red pepper flakes into the mixture or sauce. If an oven-proof skillet is unavailable, use a baking dish for the final baking step.
02 - These meatballs can be served as an appetizer or paired with mashed potatoes or rice as a main course.