These juicy Cheesy Grilled Cheeseburger Meatballs combine all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger into one delicious bite. Tender seasoned ground beef is grilled until perfectly browned, topped with melted cheddar cheese, and finished with tangy yellow mustard.
They make an easy appetizer for parties, cookouts, game days, family gatherings, or a fun weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Yellow mustard
- Pickle slices, optional
- Ketchup, optional
- Finely diced onions, optional
- Toothpicks
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef Mixture
Add the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, diced onion, shredded cheddar, mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to a large bowl.
Gently mix everything together until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
2. Shape the Meatballs
Divide the mixture into 12 to 14 portions. Roll each portion between your hands to form evenly sized meatballs.
Keeping them similar in size helps them cook evenly.
3. Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375 to 400°F.
Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the Meatballs
Place the meatballs on the grill and cook for approximately 12 to 16 minutes, turning them every few minutes so they brown evenly on all sides.
Cook until the center reaches 160°F.
5. Add the Cheese
During the final 1 to 2 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each meatball.
Close the grill lid and allow the cheese to melt completely.
6. Finish and Serve
Transfer the cheesy meatballs to a serving platter.
Add a small spoonful or drizzle of yellow mustard over each one. Add pickles, ketchup, or diced onions if desired.
Insert a toothpick into each meatball and serve warm.
Homemade Burger Sauce
For an easy dipping sauce, combine:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped dill pickles
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- A pinch of black pepper
Mix everything together until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Meatballs
Use ground beef with some fat for the juiciest results.
Do not overmix the meat mixture.
Make all the meatballs approximately the same size so they cook evenly.
Add the cheese near the end of grilling so it melts without burning.
Allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Variations
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs
Add finely chopped cooked bacon to the beef mixture and top with cheddar cheese.
Jalapeño Cheeseburger Meatballs
Add finely chopped jalapeños and replace the cheddar with pepper Jack cheese.
BBQ Cheeseburger Meatballs
Brush the meatballs with barbecue sauce during the final few minutes of grilling before adding the cheese.
Pickle Cheeseburger Meatballs
Add finely chopped dill pickles to the beef mixture and serve with additional pickle slices.
Stuffed Cheeseburger Meatballs
Place a small cube of cheddar cheese in the center of each meatball before rolling it closed. The cheese melts inside as the meatballs cook.
What to Serve With Them
These cheeseburger meatballs pair perfectly with:
- French fries
- Onion rings
- Potato wedges
- Coleslaw
- Potato salad
- Pickle spears
- Macaroni salad
- Fresh green salad
- Burger sauce
- Ketchup and mustard
Make-Ahead Instructions
The meatballs can be shaped several hours ahead of time and stored covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them.
Cooked meatballs can also be refrigerated in an airtight container and reheated before serving.
Freezing Instructions
Allow cooked meatballs to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Freeze for up to 2 to 3 months for the best quality.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving. Add fresh melted cheese and mustard after reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these meatballs instead of grilling them?
Yes. Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, depending on their size.
Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, American cheese, and pepper Jack all work well.
Can I make these for a party?
Absolutely. Prepare the meatballs ahead of time, grill them shortly before serving, and arrange them on a platter with toothpicks and dipping sauces.
Can I use Dijon mustard?
Yes. Yellow mustard gives the most traditional cheeseburger flavor, while Dijon provides a sharper, more sophisticated taste.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Grilled Cheeseburger Meatballs are an easy and delicious way to enjoy classic cheeseburger flavors in bite-sized form. Juicy grilled beef, melted cheddar, tangy mustard, and optional pickles come together for a flavorful appetizer that is perfect for sharing.
Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces and watch them disappear from the plate.