Name: Mouthwatering BBQ Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 large egg; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup barbecue sauce; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

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BBQ meatballs are a comforting, flavorful dish that combines juicy ground beef meatballs with a sweet and tangy barbecue glaze. These mouthwatering bites are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving them as appetizers, a main dish, or even stuffing them into sandwiches for a hearty meal.

Mouthwatering BBQ Meatballs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy. The meatballs are incredibly juicy and packed with flavor, while the BBQ sauce glaze adds the perfect finishing touch. It’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and will surely be a hit with everyone. Plus, they bake in the oven, freeing up your time to focus on other things. I can’t resist these little bites of goodness, and I’m sure you won’t either!

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 large egg
Salt and pepper to taste

For the BBQ Sauce:

1 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

(Hopefully, the ingredient list is helpful. Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot when baking the meatballs.
Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Form Meatballs
Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs about one inch in diameter and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Prepare BBQ Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Reserve half of the sauce for glazing the meatballs later.
Bake Meatballs
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 160°F (70°C).
Glaze with Sauce
Once the meatballs are baked, brush the reserved BBQ sauce over each meatball. Return them to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to let the sauce caramelize and deepen in flavor.

Now, you’re ready to enjoy your delicious BBQ meatballs! Serve them as they are, or get creative by placing them on sub sandwiches for a tasty twist!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 20 meatballs and serves approximately 4 people. The total preparation time is about 15 minutes, and the cooking time is around 30 minutes, making this a quick and delicious meal.

Variations

Add Cheese: I like to stuff these meatballs with mozzarella for a cheesy surprise inside. Simply cut small chunks of cheese and insert them into the middle before shaping the meatballs.
Spicy BBQ Meatballs: For a spicy kick, I add a teaspoon of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce or meatball mixture.
Vegetarian Meatballs: Use plant-based ground meat or lentils instead of ground beef for a vegetarian option, and mix in your favorite vegetables.

Storage/Reheating

These BBQ meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. They also freeze well for up to 3 months – just store them in a freezer-safe container and thaw in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

How can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

You can prepare and shape the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance. Just refrigerate them before baking, and bake them as usual when you’re ready to enjoy.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken would work as a substitute. Just keep in mind that these meats may be a little leaner than beef, so the meatballs may be slightly drier.

Can I make the BBQ sauce from scratch?

Absolutely! You can make your own BBQ sauce by mixing ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Homemade sauce will give it a personalized touch.

How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?

The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. When the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C), they’re fully cooked and safe to eat.

Can I bake these meatballs in a casserole dish instead of a baking sheet?

Yes, you can bake them in a casserole dish. Just make sure there’s enough space between the meatballs so they cook evenly. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Conclusion

These Mouthwatering BBQ Meatballs are a delicious, easy-to-make dish that is guaranteed to impress. Whether you enjoy them on their own, as part of a sandwich, or with a side, they bring irresistible flavors to your meal. Give this recipe a try, and I’m sure it’ll become one of your go-to comfort food favorites!