These keto bacon cheeseburger meatballs are everything you like about a bacon cheeseburger — savory beef, melted cheese, and lots of bacon — just in a form that feels a little more fun and a little less “I’m eating around a bun.”
Could you make this as a burger instead? Absolutely. But meatballs somehow feel easier to eat, easier to portion, and oddly more satisfying. There’s something about a meatball that doesn’t constantly remind you of what’s missing – it just works.
Now let’s talk about the bacon, because there’s no getting around it. These meatballs don’t just have bacon – they’re built around bacon.
Chopped bacon is mixed directly into the meat, so it renders as the meatballs cook and keeps everything juicy from the inside. They’re cooked in bacon fat, and then finished with even more bacon on top.
It’s NOT subtle – and that’s the point.
You could stop there and serve these with a little sugar-free ketchup and call it a day — but the quick sauce is what really pushes them over the edge. It’s a simple, four-ingredient, low-carb version of classic burger “special sauce,” and it takes about a minute to stir together.
And trust me when I tell you – it’s totally worth it.
To lean into the cheeseburger theme, these meatballs are great served over shredded iceberg lettuce with the sauce drizzled on top. It turns the whole thing into a very satisfying cheeseburger-style salad situation.
Like any good burger, these are easy to customize. Add pickles, onions, mushrooms, or tomatoes if that’s your thing. Swap cheeses if you want. Sharp cheddar works especially well, but this recipe is forgiving.
If you’re craving cheeseburger flavors without the bun — and with a lot of bacon — this is THE ONE.
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatball Tips & FAQ
Can I make these as burgers instead of meatballs?
Yes. The mixture works just as well formed into patties. Meatballs just make them easier to portion and serve — especially for meal prep.
What kind of bacon works best?
Standard sliced bacon works great. Chop it finely so it distributes evenly through the meatballs and renders properly while cooking.
Do I have to use the sauce?
You don’t have to, but it’s strongly recommended. It takes about a minute to make and adds that familiar cheeseburger flavor that ketchup alone doesn’t quite deliver.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is a great choice, but you can use American, Colby-Jack, or even Swiss if you want a different twist. Or blue cheese if you’re into bold flavors. Changing up the cheese is a great way to customize these to your personal preference.
How should I serve these?
They’re great on their own, over shredded iceberg lettuce with sauce, or alongside simple low carb sides. They also work well for meal prep. And if you aren’t on keto you can put them on a slider bun for a great appetizer.
Do they reheat well?
Yes. These meatballs reheat well and stay juicy – again thanks to our MVP bacon mixed into the meat.
This recipe is featured in Week 4 of the Keto Low Carb 7 Day Menu Plan.
More Keto Meatball Recipes
If you’re a fan of delicious, low carb meatball recipes, here are a few more to try:
Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 meatballs (4 servings) 1x
- Diet: Diabetic
Description
These keto bacon cheeseburger meatballs are made with ground beef, sharp cheddar, and bacon mixed right into the meat. Cooked in bacon fat and served with a quick low carb “special sauce,” they deliver classic cheeseburger flavor without the bun and work well for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Low carb and gluten free too!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (I like 80/20 for these)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 3/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup chopped raw bacon (from the fatty ends)
- bacon fat to cook the meatballs in
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sugar free (or low sugar) ketchup
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon dill pickle juice (or dill pickle relish if you prefer chunks)
To Serve:
- 3 oz cheddar (or other) cheese
- 4 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 3 slices of bacon, cooked and broken into 12 pieces
Instructions
- Combine all of the meatball ingredients in a medium bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Form into 12 meatballs.
- Fry in a non-stick pan in the reserved bacon fat (or use the oil of your choice) for about 4 minutes for the first side.
- Turn them over and top each with a slice of cheese.
- Cook for another 4 minutes, or until done to your liking.
- Remove from the heat, and top each meatball with a piece of bacon.
For the Sauce:
- Combine all of the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together until smooth.
To Serve:
- Place 1 cup of shredded iceburg lettuce on a plate.
- Top with 3 meatballs and drizzle with about 2 Tablespoons of sauce.
Notes
Approximate nutrition information per serving:
1 meatball: 160 calories, 11g fat, .25g net carbs, 14g protein
3 meatballs w/sauce & lettuce: 591 calories, 45g fat, 1.5g net carbs, 42g protein
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: keto dinner recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs + 2 T sauce
- Calories: 591
- Fat: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 42g
Rachel says
Made a big batch of these last weekend. I had a 3lb roll of beef so i just tripled your recipe. It took me forever to fry that many but it was worth it. By the end, some ended up being cheeseburger meatballs because i kept eating the bacon. Picky boyfriend liked the meatballs but not the sauce. He doesnt like big mac sauce so no idea why he tried it. I loved both of them, especially together. My only problem was with the cook time on the meatballs. I just couldnt get it right. Some meatballs turned out medium rare while others turned out well done, even rhough i cooked them all the same amount of time. Maybe something to do with the pan i used or the amount of bacon grease.
Nathan w says
Because it’s easier with a toddler, how long should I bake these in the oven? 35 minutes at 350?
Mellissa Sevigny says
35 might be too long and they would dry out – start with 20 minutes and then add another five if necessary until they are done to your liking! Enjoy!
Christine Castaneda says
Dropping by to say these Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs are AMAZING! I literally feel like I’m eating a Big Mac without the bread. I think the simple sauce is what makes it. Thank you! I feel like I’m cheating. :-)
Emily Strobel says
Is it ok to just leave the almond flour out or should I replace it with something else?
Mellissa Sevigny says
You can leave it out Emily, or replace it with grated parmesan!
Emily Strobel says
I replaced the almond flour with the parmesan cheese! Sooo good! :) My kids really loved the sauce! It was a great way to eat meatballs and I’m planning on trying other recipes.
Judy @Savoring Today says
I know exactly what you mean about the patty sans the bun because that is exactly how we eat our burgers most of the time. Love your meatballs, the bacon sends them over the top! :)
Dalena says
I just read over your recipe and my mouth is watering! :) I am so making these Friday night for my husbands Fantasy Football Draft that is at our house! These will be great for Football season! :) Thank you so much for posting!
Britany White says
I DID make these for dinner and they tasted SOOOOOO good!!
I made a perfect little meatball salad that tasted just like a burger! Thank you so much! :)
Awesome recipe and it was SO easy to make too!
My toddler always loves your meatball recipes! (She’s a picky eater too!)
Beverly says
Dill pickle juice is an underutilized ingredient. I use it in my chicken marinades and am so glad to see you use it here!
movita beaucoup says
Oh. My. Gawd. BACON! Need. Want. Immediately.
Cathi Warren says
Any chance you meant dijon mustard instead of mayo? The amount of mayo already in the recipe and the tiny amount of dijon makes me think you meant to include some mustard :-)
Can’t wait to try these!
Mellissa Sevigny says
YES Cathi! Thank you for catching that – I meant dijon mustard! Fixed it! Oops! :) Enjoy!