Irresistible Bacon Meatballs: Your New Favorite Easy & Flavorful Dinner
Prepare to delight your taste buds and gather the whole family around the table with these incredible Bacon Meatballs! Whether you enjoy them straight from the pan as a savory snack or nestle them into your favorite spaghetti and pasta sauce for a truly effortless and flavorful dinner, these homemade meatballs are destined to become a staple in your kitchen. (A special thank you to Pavilions for sponsoring this post and helping us discover amazing ingredients!)
There’s something undeniably comforting and universally loved about a classic meatball. In our home, meatballs are a guaranteed hit with everyone, from the youngest members of the family to the adults. They offer that perfect blend of deliciousness and simplicity, making them an ideal choice for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal. Today, we’re taking that beloved concept and elevating it to new heights with this exceptional Bacon Meatballs recipe. It’s truly the perfect marriage of rich, savory bacon and tender, juicy beef, promising a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. If you’re looking for another fantastic option, be sure to explore this other easy baked meatball recipe – another family-favorite for hassle-free dinners!
I’m particularly thrilled to share this meatball recipe with you because it allowed me to partner with one of my go-to grocery stores, Pavilions, to highlight an incredible brand I genuinely adore: Open Nature®. Living so close to a Pavilions store means I shop there frequently, and I’m always impressed by their selection. The best part? Open Nature products are exclusively available in my area at Pavilions and across the entire Albertsons Companies family of stores, including Albertsons, Safeway, ACME Markets, Jewel-Osco, Vons, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Shaw’s, Star Market, and Carrs/Safeway. This wide availability makes it incredibly convenient to access their fantastic range of products.
What makes Open Nature products so special? It’s simple: quality and transparency. Every time I choose an Open Nature item, I have complete confidence that I’m bringing home exceptional products that are free from artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives. They meticulously avoid chemical additives, high fructose corn syrup, partially hydrogenated oils, and any unrecognizable ingredients. This commitment to clean, wholesome ingredients means I can trust that what I’m feeding my family is only “the good stuff.” Beyond their impressive ingredient standards, Open Nature also consistently delivers great value, making healthy and delicious eating accessible. From fresh produce to pantry staples and even household cleaning products, their range is extensive and reliable.
Now that you understand my enthusiasm for Open Nature, let’s dive into the star of today’s post: these incredible Bacon Meatballs! This recipe truly showcases the quality of their ingredients, resulting in meatballs that are not just easy to make but bursting with flavor. The savory depth of applewood smoked bacon combined with premium grass-fed beef creates a taste experience that is both familiar and exciting. Get ready to add this to your collection of go-to easy dinner recipes!
Mastering Baked Meatballs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these flavorful baked meatballs is a straightforward process, designed for home cooks who want maximum taste with minimal fuss. Here’s how you can achieve perfectly tender and savory homemade meatballs every time:
- **Start with the Bacon Base:** Begin by dicing five strips of high-quality Open Nature Applewood Smoked Bacon. Cook these delectable bacon pieces in a skillet over medium-high heat until they are wonderfully crispy and their irresistible aroma fills your kitchen. Once the bacon is almost done, add a finely diced shallot to the pan, cooking until it becomes translucent and slightly softened, absorbing all that glorious bacon flavor. In the very last minute, stir in the minced garlic, being careful not to burn it, just long enough for its fragrant essence to release. This foundational step is key to the profound flavor of these bacon meatballs.
- **Prepare for Baking:** Carefully drain the cooked bacon, shallot, and garlic mixture onto a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess grease. This ensures your meatballs won’t be overly greasy. While the bacon mixture cools slightly, preheat your oven to a robust 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). A hot oven is crucial for achieving that desirable crispy exterior and thorough cooking.
- **Craft the Binder:** While your bacon mixture cools, take ten Open Nature Cracked Black Pepper Water Crackers and place them into a food processor. Pulse until they form fine, uniform crumbs. These cracker crumbs serve as an excellent binder, helping the meatballs hold their shape while contributing to their tender texture. The subtle peppery notes from the crackers also add an extra layer of flavor.
- **Combine the Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the freshly made cracker crumbs, finely grated parmesan cheese, a touch of ketchup for a hint of tang and moisture, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley (or dried, if preferred). Crack in one Open Nature Cage Free Egg, which acts as another vital binder. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create a well-combined base. Then, gently fold in the cooled bacon, shallot, and garlic mixture. Finally, add one pound of lean Open Nature 85% Grass Fed Beef. The key here is to mix everything together *lightly*. Overmixing the beef can lead to tough meatballs, so aim for just enough mixing to combine all the ingredients without compacting the meat.
- **Form and Bake:** Once your mixture is ready, gently roll it into approximately one-inch balls. Place these perfectly formed homemade meatballs onto a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake them in your preheated 400°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and thoroughly cooked through. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your meatballs, so keep an eye on them!
Baking Meatballs: To Cover or Not to Cover?
This is a common question when it comes to baking meatballs, and my definitive answer for these Bacon Meatballs is: No, there’s no need to cover them! The beauty of baking meatballs uncovered is that it allows the outside to develop a lovely, slightly crispy crust, adding a delightful textural contrast to the tender interior. Covering them would trap steam, leading to a softer, less caramelized exterior. The real secret to a great meatball lies in what’s *inside* – the quality ingredients and how they contribute to moisture and flavor.
Secrets to Keeping Meatballs Moist and Tender
Achieving wonderfully moist and tender meatballs is crucial for a truly satisfying meal, and it largely comes down to the ingredients and preparation. In this specific Bacon Meatball recipe, there are a couple of key components that work in harmony to ensure every bite is juicy and flavorful:
- **The Magic of Bacon:** The diced bacon in this recipe isn’t just for flavor; it also contributes significantly to the meatballs’ moisture content. As the bacon cooks, its rendered fat infuses the entire mixture, creating a rich and succulent texture that keeps the meatballs from drying out during baking.
- **Quality Grass-Fed Beef:** Using Open Nature 85% lean Grass Fed Beef is another vital element. While “lean” might sound like it would lead to dry meatballs, 85% lean ground beef strikes a perfect balance, providing enough fat for moisture and flavor without being excessively greasy. Grass-fed beef often has a richer, more complex flavor profile, enhancing the overall taste of your homemade meatballs.
- **The Binder’s Role:** Beyond these star ingredients, elements like the cracker crumbs and the egg play a supportive role. The crumbs absorb moisture and help create a tender crumb, while the egg binds everything together without making the meatballs dense.
- **Don’t Overmix!** As mentioned in the instructions, resist the urge to overmix the meatball mixture. Overworking the beef develops the proteins too much, which can result in a rubbery and tough texture. Gentle mixing is key to light and tender meatballs.
The intoxicating aroma of bacon brought my boys rushing into the kitchen, a clear sign that something delicious was underway! And they weren’t wrong. These Bacon Meatballs emerged from the oven super flavorful, incredibly tender, and absolutely delicious. It’s truly impossible to resist snagging one (or five!) immediately from the sheet pan. They’re that good!
What to Serve with Your Perfect Bacon Meatballs
These versatile Bacon Meatballs are fantastic on their own, but they truly shine when paired with complementary dishes to create a complete and satisfying meal. My personal favorite way to serve them is tossed with your preferred pasta sauce and spaghetti, alongside a fresh, crisp side salad. It’s a classic combination that never disappoints!
However, the possibilities extend far beyond spaghetti. Here are a few recommended side dishes that will beautifully accompany your meatballs:
- Spring Orzo Salad Recipe: A light and fresh orzo salad, perhaps with vibrant vegetables and a bright dressing, would offer a delightful contrast to the rich meatballs. Its texture and flavors would complement without overpowering.
- Grilled Cobb Salad with Avocado Dressing: For a heartier salad option, a grilled Cobb salad brings a variety of textures and flavors. The creamy avocado dressing would pair wonderfully with the savory meatballs, creating a balanced meal.
- Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Dressing: A sweet and tangy strawberry salad, dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette, would provide a refreshing and unexpected twist. The fruitiness would cut through the richness of the bacon and beef beautifully.
- **Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus:** Simple yet elegant, roasted asparagus spears with garlic and parmesan cheese offer a healthy green side that’s easy to prepare and always delicious.
- **Creamy Mashed Potatoes:** For ultimate comfort food, serve your meatballs over a bed of fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all the delicious juices and sauce.
- **Crusty Bread for Dipping:** Don’t forget a warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread! It’s perfect for soaking up any extra pasta sauce or meatball drippings.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these Bacon Meatballs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a welcome addition to your weekly meal plan.
I truly hope you’ll be inspired to give this Bacon Meatballs Recipe a try very soon! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. And while you’re planning your next grocery trip, if you haven’t yet had the chance to experience the quality and value of Open Nature products (they even have an excellent line of cleaning products!), I highly recommend exploring them. Visit Pavilions.com to effortlessly find a store near you and discover a wealth of meal prep tips and exciting new recipe ideas to inspire your culinary adventures!
Bacon Meatballs Recipe
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Ingredients
- 5 strips Open Nature Applewood Smoked Bacon diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 shallot minced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 10 Open Nature Cracked Black Pepper Water Crackers
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese finely grated
- 3 Tbsp. ketchup
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1 Tbsp. parsley or about 1/2 Tbsp. dried
- 1 Open Nature Cage Free Egg
- 1 pound Open Nature 85% Grass Fed Beef
Instructions
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced Open Nature Applewood Smoked Bacon and cook, stirring frequently, until it’s beautifully browned and crispy. Next, add the minced shallot and sauté until it becomes translucent and tender, absorbing the rich bacon flavor. Finally, stir in the minced garlic for just one minute, making sure not to burn it, then remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the bacon, shallot, and garlic mixture onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess fat and allow it to cool slightly.
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While the bacon mixture cools, preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Place 10 Open Nature Cracked Black Pepper Water Crackers into a food processor and pulse until they form fine, uniform crumbs. These crumbs will act as an excellent binder for your meatballs.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cracker crumbs, finely grated parmesan cheese, ketchup, salt, pepper, fresh or dried parsley, and the Open Nature Cage Free Egg. Stir these ingredients together until well combined. Gently fold in the cooled bacon, shallot, and garlic mixture. Then, add the pound of Open Nature 85% Grass Fed Beef. Mix all ingredients together *lightly* until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
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Roll the mixture into approximately one-inch balls and arrange them on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and have a golden-brown exterior. Serve these delicious Bacon Meatballs as is, or pair them with your favorite pasta and a rich pasta sauce. Enjoy this incredibly flavorful and easy dinner!
Nutrition
If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll love exploring these other delicious meatball variations:
Best Ever Easy Baked Meatballs
These classic baked meatballs are incredibly tender and packed with flavor, making them perfect for any pasta dish or served on their own. They’re a foundational recipe every home cook should have!
Skewered Italian Meatballs
For a fun twist, these Italian meatballs are skewered, making them ideal for appetizers, a low-carb dinner in sauce, or even satisfying meatball sandwiches. They bring all the traditional Italian flavors you love!
Sweet & Tangy Hawaiian Meatballs
Transport your taste buds to the tropics with these delightful Hawaiian Meatballs! Featuring a sweet and sour sauce, juicy pineapple tidbits, and crisp green peppers, this recipe is a speedy 30-minute meal that’s bursting with exotic flavor.
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(A big thank you to Open Nature for sponsoring this delicious post and providing such high-quality ingredients!)