Begin by cooking the strips of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until they are crispy, about 8 to 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set it aside while you gather the other ingredients for the Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs.

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1.5 pounds of ground beef, the crumbled bacon, 1 cup of panko bread crumbs, and ½ cup of milk. Use your hands or a spoon to mix these ingredients thoroughly, ensuring everything is well incorporated.

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 beaten egg, ¼ cup of diced yellow onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon of onion powder.

Pour the whisked wet ingredients into the bowl containing the meat mixture. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and gently mix the ingredients until just combined.

To create the cheesy surprise, take a handful of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of sharp cheddar cheese in the center, then carefully fold the meat around the cheese and shape it into a smooth ball. Aim for about 12 meatballs for optimum flavor and presentation.

For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the delicious burger sauce by blending together ½ cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon of sweet pickle relish, and 1 teaspoon of white vinegar.

Once the meatballs are cooked and the cheese is melty, place the warm meatballs on toasted sesame seed buns. Top with lettuce, sliced tomato, red onion, and pickles for a colorful presentation. Drizzle with the prepared burger sauce.