| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins – 35 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 725 | 48g | 18g | 32g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 16g | 1g | 38g | 2.1g |
Why I Love American BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatballs with Tangy Dipping Sauce
One of the recipes that always brings me back to my roots as a cook and a Montana native is the BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatballs with Tangy Dipping Sauce. The blend of tastes that come together in this dish remind me of Sunday family gatherings, hearty laughter echoing around the rustic dining table as everyone sunk their teeth into these flavorful meatballs, one by one.
The Belly-Filling Basics
Ground beef forms the fundamental core of this recipe, reminding me of the freshness of rancher’s favorite dishes I grew up with in Montana. The egg, breadcrumbs, and whole milk work in tandem to add a smooth, moist depth. Meanwhile, the seasoning – a spot-on blend of garlic and onion powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce – never fails to awaken my taste buds, recalling the boldness of Native American flavors I have been inspired by since childhood.
Bacon and BBQ: A Match Made in Flavor Heaven
Just when you think the BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatballs couldn’t get any better, they do. Wrapped in thick-cut bacon and generously glazed with BBQ sauce, these meatballs take on a smoky personality that really sets them apart. The sweet and smoky allure of the BBQ sauce paired with the savory crunch of the bacon is an irresistible combination – a touch that was inspired by my fondness for new and exciting flavors, like those introduced to me by Guy Fieri.
A Tangy Dipping Sauce That Packs a Punch
The accompanying tangy dipping sauce provides the perfect counterbalance to the richness of the meatballs. Its zesty blend of ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce, and seasoning plays out like a melody on the palate. The versatile flavor profile of this sauce elevates the BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatballs, making even the last bite as exciting as the first.
Every time I whip up a batch of these BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatballs with Tangy Dipping Sauce, I know I’m in for a treat. Not just because they’re mouthwateringly delicious, but because each bite is a journey back to the landscapes and flavors that shaped me as a cook. To me, this dish is more than just a recipe. It’s a edible reminder of the tastes and experiences that made me the gourmet guru I am today.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 pounds of ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 slices of thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
- 12 toothpicks
- For the Tangy Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined but avoid overmixing as this can make the meatballs tough.
Step Three
Form the ground beef mixture into approximately 12 meatballs and set them aside. Now, wrap each meatball in a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick.
Step Four
Place the bacon wrapped meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush each meatball generously with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Step Five
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the meatballs are cooked through. You might want to apply more BBQ sauce halfway through cooking for extra flavor.
Step Six
While the meatballs are baking, make the tangy dipping sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Heat the sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally until everything is well blended and warm.
Step Seven
Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven. Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Serve alongside the tangy dipping sauce. Enjoy your BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatballs with Tangy Dipping Sauce!
