Get ready to revolutionize your grilling game with the most mind-blowing recipe that'll make your taste buds explode with joy! These BBQ Bacon Meatball Onion Bombs are not just a meal; they're a culinary adventure that combines the smoky richness of bacon, the juicy perfection of ground beef, and the sweet-tangy magic of BBQ sauce, all wrapped in a tender onion shell. Imagine biting into a perfectly grilled package that delivers an explosion of flavors in every single bite – this isn't just cooking, this is flavor engineering at its finest!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 onion, large
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Additional BBQ sauce for topping
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by finely chopping bacon and dicing the large onion. Ensure ground beef is at room temperature for better mixing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, chopped bacon, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using hands to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Carefully slice the large onion into quarters, separating the layers to create "boats" or shells that will hold the meatball mixture.
- Form compact meatballs using about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture, sizing them to fit snugly inside the onion layers.
- Place each meatball inside an onion layer, wrapping the onion completely around the meat to create a sealed "bomb".
- Preheat grill or barbecue to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F. Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the onion bombs on the grill, ensuring they are not directly over the highest heat to prevent burning.
- Grill for approximately 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and nice char marks.
- During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush generously with additional BBQ sauce for a caramelized exterior.
- Check internal temperature of meatballs, which should reach 160°F for safe consumption. Remove from grill and let rest for 3-5 minutes.
- Serve hot, optionally drizzling extra BBQ sauce on top and garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your ground beef is at room temperature for more even mixing and better texture.
- Mix with Passion: When combining ingredients, use your hands to mix thoroughly. This helps distribute bacon and seasonings evenly.
- Onion Selection: Choose large, firm onions with thick layers to create the perfect "bomb" shell.
- Grill Management: Use medium-high heat and avoid direct flames to prevent burning. Clean and oil your grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Meat Safety: Always ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F for safe consumption.
- Sauce Technique: Apply BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent burning and create a beautiful caramelized exterior.
- Resting is Crucial: Let the onion bombs rest for 3-5 minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum flavor and moisture.Pro tip: For extra pizzazz, experiment with different BBQ sauce varieties or add a sprinkle of fresh herbs as a final garnish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 130mg
