Decadent Cheese-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs
These decadent cheese-stuffed bacon-wrapped meatballs are a mouthwatering treat that's perfect for any occasion. Inspired by Aaron McCargo Jr.'s delicious creations on 'Big Daddy's House', this recipe takes classic meatballs to the next level. Wrapped in crispy bacon and filled with gooey mozzarella, every bite is a blend of savory flavors and rich textures. Although originally made with applewood smoked bacon, feel free to use your favorite bacon variety for a slightly different twist. Serve these incredible meatballs over pasta with marinara sauce for a hearty meal that family and friends will rave about.
4
Servings
300
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
apple-smoked bacon
8-10 slices (cooked until crisp and chopped)
ground chuck
1 lb (fresh)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (liquid)
onion soup mix
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package (dry mix)
panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (dry)
coarse black pepper
1 tablespoon (ground)
beef stock
1 tablespoon (liquid)
bite-size fresh mozzarella cheese balls
8-10 pieces (whole)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2
On a sheet pan, arrange the bacon slices in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven until crispy, about 8 to 10 minutes. Carefully remove the bacon and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it cool slightly, then chop it into small pieces and set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chuck, Worcestershire sauce, onion soup mix, panko breadcrumbs, black pepper, beef stock, and the chopped bacon. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
4
Take a portion of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a mozzarella cheese ball in the center and wrap the meat around the cheese to form a smooth ball. Repeat the process until all the meat mixture is used.
5
Place the meatballs on a sheet pan lined with a wire rack to allow air circulation. Bake in the oven until the meatballs are thoroughly browned and cooked through, approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
6
Serve these delicious meatballs with your favorite pasta and marinara sauce for a satisfying meal.
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
12.5g
Carbs
17.5g
Protein
1.25g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Cheese-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs?
They are savory meatballs made with ground chuck and crispy bacon, stuffed with a gooey mozzarella cheese center.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
How is the bacon prepared for the meatball mixture?
The bacon is baked until crispy for 8 to 10 minutes, then cooled and chopped into small pieces before being mixed with the meat.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides 4 servings.
What kind of cheese is used to stuff the meatballs?
The recipe uses bite-size fresh mozzarella cheese balls.
What type of breadcrumbs are needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of dry panko breadcrumbs.
How long do the meatballs need to bake?
The meatballs should be baked for approximately 10 to 15 minutes until browned and cooked through.
What liquid ingredients are added to the ground chuck?
Worcestershire sauce and beef stock are added to the meat mixture.
What is the specific meat used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 lb of fresh ground chuck.
Is there a seasoning mix used in the meatballs?
Yes, a 1 1/4 ounce package of dry onion soup mix is used for seasoning.
How do you stuff the mozzarella into the meat?
Flatten a portion of the meat mixture in your palm, place a mozzarella ball in the center, and wrap the meat around it.
What type of bacon is recommended?
Apple-smoked bacon is recommended, but you can use any variety you prefer.
Why should I use a wire rack when baking the meatballs?
A wire rack allows air to circulate around the meatballs for even browning and cooking.
What are some serving suggestions for these meatballs?
Serve them over your favorite pasta with marinara sauce.
How much black pepper is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of ground coarse black pepper.
How many calories are in each serving?
Each serving contains 300 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 22.5g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
There is 17.5g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 12.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there fiber in this dish?
Yes, there is 1.25g of fiber per serving.
Who inspired this meatball recipe?
This recipe was inspired by Aaron McCargo Jr. from 'Big Daddy's House'.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this recipe.
How long does it take to cook the bacon initially?
The bacon takes about 8 to 10 minutes in the oven.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional information indicates the sugar content is null or not present.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for any occasion.
Can these meatballs be served as appetizers?
Yes, they are tagged as both appetizers and party food.
How many mozzarella balls do I need?
You will need 8 to 10 bite-size fresh mozzarella cheese balls.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under 'Cheese'.
What should the meatballs look like when finished?
They should be thoroughly browned and the cheese inside should be gooey.
Can I use different seasonings?
The recipe uses onion soup mix and black pepper, but you can adjust seasonings to your personal taste.