Try our easy and flavorful BBQ meatball recipe. Made with a tasty blend of ground beef breadcrumbs and a tangy homemade BBQ sauce these meatballs are a hit at any gathering. Perfectly seasoned and baked to perfection these BBQ meatballs will leave your guests craving for more. Serve them as a delightful party snack or a savory main course for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1/ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2/ In a large mixing bowl combine all the meatball ingredients: ground beef breadcrumbs milk chopped onion egg minced garlic Worcestershire sauce ketchup, dried oregano salt and black pepper.
3/ Mix the ingredients together using your hands until everything is well combined but be careful not to overmix.
4/ Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5/ Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.
6/ While the meatballs are baking prepare the BBQ sauce. In a saucepan combine all the BBQ sauce ingredients: ketchup brown sugar apple cider vinegar Dijon mustard Worcestershire sauce garlic powder smoked paprika and black pepper.
7/ Cook the sauce over medium heat stirring constantly until the brown sugar has dissolved and the sauce is well combined. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
8/ Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the BBQ sauce over the meatballs and gently toss them until they are evenly coated in the sauce.
9/ Optionally return the sauced meatballs to the baking sheet and broil them for a couple of minutes until the sauce caramelizes slightly.
Serving BBQ Meatball Recipe
Serve the BBQ meatball recipe on a platter and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Enjoy these mouthwatering BBQ meatballs recipe as a delicious appetizer party snack or served over rice for a flavorful main course!
Tips and Tricks
Meat selection: Use a combination of ground beef for a more flavorful and tender meatball. The beef adds juiciness and complements the beef’s rich flavor.
Don’t overmix the meat mixture: Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Mix the ingredients until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
Preheat the oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking the meatballs to ensure even cooking.
Use a baking sheet with parchment paper: This prevents the meatballs from sticking to the pan and makes cleanup easier.
Test the seasoning: Before shaping the meatballs, fry a small amount of the mixture in a skillet to check the seasoning. Adjust the seasoning if needed before proceeding.
Consistent meatball size: To ensure even cooking, aim for uniform meatball sizes. You can use a cookie scoop or your hands to portion them.
Keep hands damp: To prevent sticking, keep your hands slightly damp when shaping the meatballs.
Baking vs. broiling: Baking the meatballs results in a tender texture, while broiling can create a slightly caramelized exterior. You can choose the method based on your preference.
BBQ sauce variations: Customize the BBQ sauce by adding ingredients like honey, hot sauce, or liquid smoke for a unique flavor twist.
Double sauce: For extra sauciness, make a double batch of the BBQ sauce. Serve some on the side for dipping.
Make ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and cook the meatballs just before serving.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, cilantro, or green onions over the meatballs for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve with toothpicks: Insert toothpicks into the meatballs for easy serving at parties or gatherings.
By following these tips, you’ll create irresistible BBQ meatballs that are tender, flavorful, and sure to be a crowd pleaser at any event!
Nutrition Facts
Here’s a general estimate of the nutrition facts for BBQ meatball recipe, based on a typical recipe. Please keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used:
Serving Size: About 3-4 meatballs (approximately 3 ounces or 85 grams)
- Calories: 200-250 calories
- Protein: 15-20 grams
- Total Fat: 10-15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3-5 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 40-60 milligrams
- Sodium: 300-500 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 0-1 gram
- Sugars: 4-6 grams
These values can vary based on factors like the type of meat used (beef, turkey, etc.), the ingredients in the BBQ sauce, and whether breadcrumbs or other fillers are added to the meatball mixture. Be sure to adjust the values based on the specific recipe you’re using, and consider that serving sizes can vary as well. Enjoy your BBQ meatball recipe in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
