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1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for juiciness)
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½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety, plus extra for glazing)
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½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Wrapping:
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12 slices thick-cut bacon
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12 toothpicks (soaked in water if using a grill to prevent burning)
Optional Garnishes:
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Additional warm BBQ sauce, for dipping
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Thinly sliced green onions
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Pickled jalapeños for a kick
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven or Grill
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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If grilling, set grill to medium heat, and prep for indirect cooking.
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
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In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ½ cup BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
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Mix gently with clean hands or a spoon until just combined—don’t overmix to avoid tough meatballs.
3. Form the Meatballs
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Divide mixture into 12 equal portions.
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Roll each into a tight meatball. Ensure cheese is distributed throughout and not poking out.
4. Wrap Each Ball with Bacon
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Lay out one slice of bacon per meatball.
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Wrap tightly around the meatball and secure with a toothpick.
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Make sure the seam side is on the bottom.
5. Prepare for Cooking
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Oven: Place the bacon-wrapped meatballs on a wire rack set over a baking sheet (for air circulation and crisping).
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Grill: Arrange meatballs over indirect heat on the grill.
6. Cook
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Oven Method: Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through until bacon is crispy and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
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Grill Method: Grill for 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.
7. Glaze with BBQ Sauce
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