Cowboy Meatballs

By Roger Rizzo 3 August, 2026 4 mins read 6 Views

Cowboy meatballs bring big, bold flavors to a classic dinner favorite! Packed with cheesy goodness and spices, they’re simmered in a smoky BBQ sauce with crispy bacon and a little kick from Rotel. So delicious you’ll want to scoop up every last drop.

Skillet with cheesy, saucy cowboy meatballs.

Saddle Up for a Family Favorite

Easy for Busy Nights: These meatballs come together with simple steps and can be made ahead, making dinner hassle free.
Comfort Food Everyone Loves: This is the kind of cozy meal that brings everyone to the table. Both kids and adults love these.
Great for Sharing: Serve them over mashed potatoes, with a side of air fryer broccoli, or add them to your next game day spread. They’re an easy meal for family dinners, parties, or potlucks.

Ingredients for Cowboy Meatballs

Overhead shot of labeled cowboy meatballs ingredients.

Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko keeps the meatballs light and tender, but crushed saltine crackers or regular breadcrumbs work well too.
Bacon: Don’t pour out the bacon grease! Browning the meatballs in the drippings adds rich, smoky flavor and gives them a delicious crust.

How to Make Cowboy Meatballs

Meatballs are always a hit in my house! My family loves my Swedish meatballs (a reader favorite, too!), but these cowboy meatballs were a major success. My kids have already asked me to make them again!

Combine: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped cilantro, finely diced onion, egg, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix and Roll: Mix until combined and roll into 12 large meatballs or 20 small meatballs.
Cook Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chopped bacon. Cook until the bacon is crisp. Remove the bacon to a plate lined with a paper towel.
Sear Meatballs: In the same skillet, add the meatballs and cook for 7-8 minutes. Turn occasionally until browned on both sides and cooked through. Transfer the meatballs to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
Make Sauce: Add Rotel, tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, and chicken broth to the skillet and whisk to combine. Bring to a boil, and reduce to a simmer.
Simmer and Serve: Add the cooked bacon and meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce is slightly reduced. Garnish Cowboy Meatballs with shredded cheddar cheese and sliced green onions and serve.

Meatball ingredients all added to a mixing bowl.

Scooped and shaped meatballs on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Alyssa’s Pro Tips

Meatballs: Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs, and mix the meat just until combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense and tough.

Must Have Tools For This Recipe

Large Skillet: Gives the meatballs room to brown and the sauce space to simmer.
Cookie Scoop: Keeps the meatballs evenly sized for even cooking.
Sharp Knife: Quickly chops the bacon, onion, cilantro, and green onions.