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BBQ Meatballs: A Flavorful Family Favorite

BBQ Meatballs: A Flavorful Family Favorite
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Juicy, tender meatballs smothered in a sweet and tangy homemade BBQ sauce, perfect for game day, potlucks, or an easy weeknight dinner. These crowd-pleasing meatballs can be served as an appetizer or main dish with minimal effort.

  • Author: ranime
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 35 mins
  • Yield: 24 meatballs (6-8 servings) 1x
  • Category: Appetizer/Main
  • Method: Baking/Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • ½ lb ground pork
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp finely minced onion
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • For the BBQ Sauce:
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp molasses
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp liquid smoke (optional)
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix gently with hands until just combined.
  3. Shape into 1.5-inch balls (about 24 total) and place on prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 18-20 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through.
  5. Meanwhile, whisk together all BBQ sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Transfer cooked meatballs to a slow cooker or serving dish. Pour BBQ sauce over and gently stir to coat.
  7. Keep warm in slow cooker on LOW for serving, or serve immediately.

Notes

  • For extra tenderness: Soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes before mixing
  • Make ahead: Prepare and freeze unbaked meatballs up to 3 months
  • Crockpot method: Cook meatballs in sauce on LOW for 2-3 hours
  • Spice variation: Add 1 tsp chili powder to BBQ sauce for more heat
  • Serving suggestions: Toothpicks for appetizers, or over mashed potatoes for dinner

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesfood.org/bbq-meatballs/