simple bbq meatball recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best simple bbq meatball recipe

I’m so excited to share this simple BBQ meatball recipe with you all. It’s a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will become one in yours too. The dish originated from Italian and Greek cuisines, where meatballs are a common feature.

The key technique behind this recipe is to cook the meatballs in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, which adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. As a busy mom, I appreciate how easy it is to make this recipe. You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer for later use.

This makes it perfect for meal prep or when you’re short on time. My kids love helping me mix the ingredients together, and they always get excited when they see the finished product. One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is.

You can serve it as an appetizer, main course, or even as a snack at parties. It’s also a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies, as you can sneak them into the meatball mixture. Plus, it’s a healthier option compared to traditional meatball recipes, thanks to the lean ground beef and minimal added salt.

I’ve been making this recipe for years now, and it never fails to impress my family and friends. It’s also a great way to use up leftover ingredients like breadcrumbs and cheese rinds. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time.

Simple BBQ Meatballs

4.9 from 863 votes

These easy BBQ meatballs are made with ground beef and a sweet tangy sauce. They come together quickly for a weeknight dinner or party appetizer.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the BBQ Sauce

1 cup ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp smoked paprika

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
3In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
5Shape the mixture into 16 equal-sized meatballs, about 1.
5 inches in diameter.
6Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
7Bake the meatballs for 18 to 20 minutes, until they are browned on the outside and cooked through.
8An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 160°F.
9While the meatballs bake, make the BBQ sauce.
10In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.
11Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
12Remove the baked meatballs from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish.
13Pour the warm BBQ sauce over the meatballs and toss gently to coat evenly.
Serve immediately.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Small saucepan
Whisk

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 90mg🧂Sodium: 850mg🌾Total Carbs: 32g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 18g🥩Protein: 24g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken. You can also use store-bought BBQ sauce to save time.

Watch Video Of How Simple BBQ Meatballs Works

This simple BBQ meatball recipe is always a good idea for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or just a quick weeknight dinner.

You can store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

To reheat them, simply place the frozen meatballs in a saucepan with some BBQ sauce over low heat until warmed through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Meatballs

1. What type of meat should I use for this recipe?

You can use either ground beef or ground turkey for this recipe. If you want a leaner option, go with turkey. If you prefer a richer flavor, use beef.

2. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer for later use.

3. How do I prevent the meatballs from breaking apart while cooking?

To prevent the meatballs from breaking apart, make sure not to overmix the ingredients and handle them gently while cooking.

4. Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?

While store-bought BBQ sauce works fine, I highly recommend making your own sauce from scratch for better flavor and texture.

5. Can I bake these meatballs instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake these meatballs instead of frying them for a healthier option.

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