Smoky Kansas BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatballs Recipe for Arteflame Grill

Introduction

There is arguably no appetizer more universally loved than the meatball, but when you wrap it in savory bacon and glaze it with a thick, sweet-and-tangy Kansas-style BBQ sauce, it transcends into a culinary masterpiece. Cooking these Kansas BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatballs on the Arteflame grill changes the game entirely. unlike a traditional oven bake, the high-heat searing power of the Arteflame cooktop renders the bacon fat instantly, creating an irresistibly crispy exterior while keeping the seasoned beef incredibly juicy inside. The subtle smokiness from the wood fire infuses every bite, creating a flavor profile that gas grills simply cannot replicate. Whether you are hosting a game day gathering or looking for a decadent main course, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of smoky, salty, and sweet flavors that will have your guests hovering around the grill waiting for the next batch.

Ingredients

The Meatball Mix

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend is best for juiciness)
• 1/2 lb ground pork (adds tenderness)
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

The Wrap & Glaze

• 1 lb thin-sliced bacon (cut strips in half)
• 1 cup Kansas-style BBQ sauce (sweet, tomato, and molasses base)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)
• Toothpicks (soaked in water if planning to put near open flame)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Grill

1. Start your Arteflame grill by building a fire in the center. Allow the fire to burn down slightly until you have a solid bed of coals and the cooktop reaches a medium-high temperature.
2. Lightly oil the flat steel cooktop with vegetable oil or beef tallow to ensure a non-stick surface. The outer ring of the cooktop is cooler, which is perfect for slow roasting, while the inner ring provides the high heat needed to sear the bacon.

Step 2: Mix the Meatballs

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Over-mixing can result in tough meatballs, so handle the mixture lightly.
3. Form the mixture into golf-ball-sized spheres (roughly 1.5 inches in diameter). You should get about 20-24 meatballs.

Step 3: Wrap and Secure

1. Take a half-strip of bacon and wrap it snugly around each meatball.
2. Secure the bacon in place by pushing a toothpick through the center of the meatball where the bacon ends overlap. This ensures the bacon stays tight during the grilling process.

Step 4: Grill on the Arteflame

1. Place the bacon-wrapped meatballs on the flat cooktop, ensuring the bacon seam is facing down to seal it immediately.
2. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning them frequently to ensure the bacon crisps evenly on all sides. Move them closer to the center fire if you need more crisping, or further out if they are cooking too fast.
3. The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 160°F (71°C).

Step 5: Glaze and Finish

1. About 2 minutes before they are finished, brush the meatballs generously with the Kansas-style BBQ sauce.
2. Let the sauce caramelize on the hot steel for a minute, rolling the meatballs to coat them sticky and glossy.
3. Remove from the grill, sprinkle with fresh parsley or green onions, and serve hot.

Tips

Cooking bacon-wrapped items on an Arteflame is significantly easier than on a grate grill because you do not have to worry about flare-ups burning your food. However, managing the grease is still important. Use your spatula to guide excess bacon fat toward the center fire pit, which will fuel the flames and add to that delicious wood-fired aroma. If you find the bacon is cooking much faster than the meat inside, move the meatballs to the outer edge of the cooktop where the temperature is lower. This allows the beef and pork to cook through gently without scorching the bacon. For the best aesthetic and texture, try to use regular cut bacon rather than thick-cut; thick-cut bacon takes too long to render and often results in an undercooked layer of fat against the meatball.

Variations

While the classic Kansas BBQ profile is a crowd-pleaser, these meatballs are incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt the flavor profile to suit different palates or dietary needs. Here are a few creative twists to try on your Arteflame:

• Sweet Heat: Add a slice of fresh jalapeño under the bacon wrap before grilling, and mix some cayenne pepper into the BBQ glaze.
• Cheese Stuffed: Press a cube of sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese into the center of the meatball before wrapping it in bacon for a gooey molten core.
• Asian Fusion: Swap the BBQ sauce for a Teriyaki or Hoisin glaze and mix ginger into the meat blend instead of paprika.
• Poultry Twist: Substitute the beef and pork mixture for ground turkey or chicken; just be careful not to overcook it, as poultry dries out faster.
• Sugar-Free: Use a keto-friendly, sugar-free BBQ sauce and skip the breadcrumbs (use crushed pork rinds instead) for a low-carb version.

Best pairings

These rich, savory meatballs command attention, so they pair best with sides that offer texture and acidity to cut through the fat. If you are serving them as a main dish, they go beautifully with grilled vegetables that you can cook right alongside the meat on the Arteflame cooktop. The smokiness of the meat mirrors well with robust beverages and starchier sides.

• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Charred on the Arteflame with lime butter.
• Creamy Coleslaw: The vinegar and crunch provide a necessary contrast to the heavy meat and bacon.
• Craft Beer: A hoppy IPA or a smoked porter complements the caramelized BBQ sauce perfectly.
• Macaroni and Cheese: A baked mac and cheese makes this the ultimate comfort food meal.
• Pickled Vegetables: A side of pickles or pickled red onions cleanses the palate between bites.

Conclusion

Mastering Kansas BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatballs on the Arteflame grill is about more than just following a recipe; it is about embracing the experience of live-fire cooking. The flat cooktop allows for a level of caramelization that creates a depth of flavor impossible to achieve in a kitchen. As the bacon sizzles and the sauce thickens into a sticky glaze, you create a dish that is visually stunning and incredibly delicious. Whether served as a passed appetizer at a summer cookout or the star of a family dinner, these meatballs are guaranteed to disappear seconds after they hit the plate. Fire up your Arteflame, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate BBQ indulgence.