Cheeseburger Meatballs and Mini Mac Sauce

These cheeseburger meatballs are juicy bites of seasoned beef packed with melty cheese and a hint of savory spices. Served with a creamy, tangy "mini mac" sauce, they capture all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in every bite.

This recipe is a playful take on McDonald’s Big Mac in a bite-sized, meatball. My husband raved about them and kept going back for more.

And I’ll be clear — the mini mac sauce is not a replica of Big Mac sauce. It’s a tasty version made of pickles, mustard, ketchup, and mayonnaise. Real mayonnaise, not the Miracle Whip salad dressing!

Ingredients

• Ground Beef
• Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese
• Panko Breadcrumbs
• Garlic Powder
• Salt
• Black Pepper
• Beef Bouillon or 1 cube
• Water
• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• Minced Dill Pickles
• Dijon Mustard

How to Make Cheeseburger Meatballs

• Add ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to a medium-sized bowl.

• Combine water and beef bouillon in a small dish stir until dissolved. Add to the medium-sized bowl and mix to combine. Do not over-mix, to prevent the ground beef from being tough once it’s cooked.
• Preheat the oven to 425℉. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

• Shape the ground beef mixture into 1 ½” balls and place on the baking sheet.
• Bake in the oven for 11-13 minutes.

• While they bake, combine the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Serve as a dipping sauce for the meatballs.

Cooking Tips

Use a mix of cheeses - A combination of cheddar and mozzarella gives great meltiness and flavor.

Don't overmix the meat - Overworking the beef can make the meatballs dense; mix just until combined.

Adjust sauce tanginess - Taste your mayo-ketchup-dill-Dijon sauce and tweak the ratio to your preference; a little pickle juice can add extra zing.

Optional flavor boosts - Add minced onions or garlic for extra depth.

Serving Suggestions

• Mini Sliders - Place meatballs in small buns, drizzle with sauce, and add pickles or lettuce for bite-sized cheeseburger sliders.
• Party Skewers - Thread 2-3 meatballs onto cocktail sticks with cherry tomatoes or mini pickles for easy appetizers.
• Meatball and Fries Dinner – Serve the meatballs as a main course with crispy french fries.
• Over Rice - Serve meatballs over buttery rice, onions, and diced peppers for a hearty meal.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips

Make-Ahead

Mix and shape the meatballs a day ahead and keep them in the fridge until ready to cook. The sauce can also be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for a few days.

Freezing

Cooked meatballs can be frozen for up to 3 months. Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven, skillet, or sauce.

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• Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatballs
• Air Fryer Hamburgers
• Baked Italian Meatballs
• Baked Sweet and Sour Meatballs
• Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
• Garlic Bread Soup Shooters
• High-Protein Cheeseburger Bowls
• Instant Pot Meatball and Potato Soup