I’m so excited to share my Slow-Cooker Barbecue Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs recipe with you! This isn’t just dinner — it’s a savory, cheesy, crowd-pleasing experience. Imagine juicy meatballs stuffed with sharp cheddar, wrapped with bacon flavor, all simmered in smoky barbecue sauce. It’s effortless, comforting, and guaranteed to make any party or weeknight extra special.
Level: Easy
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Yield: 12 servings
Course: Main Dish / Appetizer
Cuisine: American
I still remember the first time I made these barbecue bacon cheeseburger meatballs — the smell of sizzling bacon and seasoned beef filled my kitchen, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in! These meatballs are perfect because they’re all the flavor of a cheeseburger without needing a bun. The slow cooker makes it super simple: while the meatballs cook slowly, I can focus on prepping sides, drinks, or dessert.
This recipe is perfect for beginners and busy cooks alike. Each meatball is juicy, cheesy, and coated in tangy barbecue sauce. Adding pickles at the end gives that classic burger crunch and tang — it’s fun, easy, and absolutely delicious.
How to Make Slow-Cooker Barbecue Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs
This dish combines classic cheeseburger flavors with the convenience of slow cooking. Here’s how it all comes together:
• Juicy ground beef mixed with crispy bacon for smoky flavor
• Panko breadcrumbs and milk to keep meatballs tender and soft
• Sharp cheddar cheese tucked inside each meatball for gooey surprise
• Sweet and smoky barbecue sauce that simmers with the meatballs
• Dill pickle slices for a fun and tangy finishing touch
It’s a hands-off recipe once you get everything in the slow cooker — the meatballs cook slowly and soak up all the flavors.
Ingredients
• 1 lb lean ground beef (at least 85%)
• 2 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/2 cup plain panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg, slightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon Montreal steak grill seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 24 (1/2-inch) cubes sharp cheddar cheese (about 3 oz)
• 1 bottle (18 oz) barbecue sauce
• 24 dill pickle slices
Directions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker:
o Spray a 3 1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. - Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
o In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped bacon, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, egg, honey, Montreal seasoning, and salt.
o Mix gently until all ingredients are combined — overmixing can make meatballs dense. - Shape and Stuff the Meatballs:
o Form about 24 meatballs (1 1/2-inch each).
o Press one cube of cheddar into the center of each meatball and carefully seal so the cheese is fully enclosed. - Add to Slow Cooker:
o Place meatballs in the slow cooker.
o Pour barbecue sauce over them and gently turn to coat evenly. - Cook:
o Cover and cook on Low for 3 to 4 hours, or until meatballs reach 165°F and are fully cooked. - Serve:
o Thread dill pickle slices onto cocktail picks and serve alongside the meatballs for a fun presentation.
Process Details
• Mixing Meatballs: Combining ingredients gently ensures a tender, juicy meatball rather than a tough one.
• Cheese Inside: Tucking cheddar inside creates a molten, cheesy center — every bite is a surprise.
• Slow Cooking: Cooking slowly allows the flavors to meld, while keeping meatballs moist.
• Pickle Addition: Adds tang and crunch, reminiscent of a classic burger experience.
Tips for Success
• Even Meatballs: Make all meatballs roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
• Cheese Cubes: Freeze cheddar cubes slightly if your cheese is too soft — it makes stuffing easier.
• Spicy Twist: Use spicy pickle slices or a little hot sauce in the barbecue sauce for a kick.
• Meal Prep: These meatballs are great for making ahead; reheat in the sauce before serving.
Serving Ideas
• Party Appetizer: Serve with cocktail picks for easy snacking.
• Family Dinner: Pair with mashed potatoes or mac and cheese for a comforting meal.
• Burger Twist: Serve over rice or in slider buns for mini cheeseburger sandwiches.
• Extra Fun: Add cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, or mustard for extra burger flavor.
Storage & Freezing
• Refrigerator: Cool completely, store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs (without pickle garnishes) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the slow cooker or on the stove.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
• Calories: 210
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Sodium: 910 mg
• Sugars: 17 g
My Slow-Cooker Barbecue Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food — cheesy, smoky, and perfectly saucy. They’re effortless to make thanks to the slow cooker and always impress guests or family. Each bite delivers juicy beef, crispy bacon flavor, gooey cheddar, and tangy barbecue sauce. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this recipe as much as I do. Once you try it, it’ll quickly become a staple in your weeknight or party menu.