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Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs - Juicy, Low-Carb, and Crowd-Pleasing

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 for best juiciness)
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup finely minced onion (or 2 tablespoons dried minced onion)
  • 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish (sugar-free)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup almond flour (or 1/4 cup crushed pork rinds)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (check labels for sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
  • Avocado oil spray or olive oil for the pan
  • For dipping: sugar-free “burger sauce” (ketchup + mayo + pickle juice), or ranch

Method
 

  1. Cook the bacon: Pan-fry or bake bacon until crisp. Drain and crumble. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat if you plan to pan-sear.
  2. Prep the oven or air fryer: Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment and lightly oil it. For air fryer, preheat to 375°F (190°C) and lightly oil the basket.
  3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the egg, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire, and pickle relish until smooth.
  4. Add aromatics and seasonings: Stir in minced onion, garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, parsley, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  5. Combine the meat mixture: Add ground beef, crumbled bacon, cheddar, and almond flour. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overwork.
  6. Form meatballs: Scoop about 2 tablespoons per meatball (a small cookie scoop helps). Roll gently. You should get 22–24 meatballs.
  7. Oven method: Arrange on the sheet pan with space between each. Bake 14–18 minutes, until browned and the centers reach 160°F (71°C).
  8. Air fryer method: Air fry in batches 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway, until the internal temperature hits 160°F (71°C).
  9. Optional sear: For extra crust, quickly sear baked meatballs in a hot skillet with a little bacon fat for 1–2 minutes.
  10. Rest and serve: Let rest 5 minutes. Serve with burger sauce or ranch, and add low-carb sides like cucumber slices or lettuce cups.