There’s something about a tray of BBQ meatballs that screams comfort and joy. Whether served as a party appetizer, piled on a plate for dinner, or tucked into a sandwich, these juicy, flavorful meatballs are a hit with everyone. The balance of savory meat, smoky barbecue sauce, and a hint of sweetness makes them utterly irresistible. These BBQ Meatballs are tender, juicy, and smothered in a rich, tangy BBQ sauce that’s perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to game-day parties.
What I love about this recipe is that it’s super easy to make. Whether you bake them in the oven, simmer them in a slow cooker, or even grill them, you’ll get delicious results every time. You can use ground beef, pork, turkey, or even chicken, and the homemade BBQ sauce comes together in minutes. Plus, the recipe is very flexible—you can make these meatballs as sweet, spicy, or smoky as you like by adjusting the sauce and seasonings. They’re great served with mashed potatoes or rice for a cozy dinner or piled onto slider buns for a fun and casual meal. No matter how you serve them, these BBQ meatballs will be a crowd favorite!
I first made these BBQ meatballs for a family barbecue, and they disappeared almost as soon as I set them out. Since then, they’ve become a staple at every party, potluck, and family gathering. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they’re also packed with flavor. They’re one of those dishes that feel special enough for a party, but are also simple and satisfying enough for a weeknight meal. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these meatballs are perfect for busy days.
- Sweet and smoky: The homemade BBQ sauce is rich, tangy, and smoky, perfectly complementing the savory meatballs.
- Versatile: You can serve these as appetizers, main dishes, or in sandwiches—they’re perfect for any occasion.
- Kid-friendly: Kids love the sweet and tangy flavor of these BBQ meatballs, making them a great option for family meals.
- Make-ahead friendly: These meatballs are perfect for meal prep and can be frozen for later, making dinner a breeze.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Total time: 45 minutes (15 minutes prep, 30 minutes cook)
- Servings: 6-8 servings (about 30 meatballs)
- Nutrition per serving: 350 calories, 20g fat, 15g carbs, 25g protein
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground pork, turkey, or chicken)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar (or honey)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare a Baking Sheet. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This will prevent the meatballs from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs. Once the mixture is well combined, use your hands or a small cookie scoop to shape the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place the formed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave a little space between each one. You should be able to make about 30 meatballs from the mixture.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 12-15 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for beef or pork, or 165°F (74°C) for chicken or turkey. If you prefer a crispier exterior, you can broil the meatballs for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Step 5: Make the BBQ Sauce. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the BBQ sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder (if using). Whisk the ingredients together until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Toss the Meatballs in BBQ Sauce. Once the meatballs are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm BBQ sauce over the meatballs and gently toss them until they are evenly coated. Make sure each meatball is smothered in that delicious sauce for maximum flavor.
Step 7: Serve the Meatballs. Your BBQ meatballs are ready to serve! You can enjoy them on their own as a delicious appetizer or pair them with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a hearty meal. If you’re hosting a party, serve the meatballs with toothpicks for easy snacking. For a fun twist, try serving them in slider buns with a little extra BBQ sauce for a tasty sandwich.
How to Serve:
These BBQ meatballs are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways depending on the occasion. Here are a few serving ideas to inspire you:
- As an appetizer: Serve the meatballs with toothpicks or small skewers on a platter with extra BBQ sauce for dipping. They’re perfect for parties, game days, or family gatherings.
- With mashed potatoes: Serve the meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes with a side of steamed vegetables for a cozy, comforting dinner.
- In sliders: Make BBQ meatball sliders by placing a few meatballs in small slider buns, adding extra sauce, and topping with coleslaw or pickles.
- With rice: For a simple and satisfying meal, serve the BBQ meatballs over a bed of rice with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad.
- In a sandwich: Pile the BBQ meatballs onto a sandwich roll with extra sauce and melted cheese for a delicious BBQ meatball sub.
Additional Tips for Success:
- Use your favorite ground meat: This recipe works with ground beef, pork, chicken, or turkey. For a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken. If you like extra flavor, you can use a mixture of ground beef and pork.
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense and tough.
- Adjust the sweetness of the BBQ sauce: If you prefer a sweeter BBQ sauce, add a little more brown sugar or honey. For a tangier sauce, increase the amount of vinegar.
- Make ahead and freeze: These meatballs freeze beautifully! You can prepare and cook the meatballs in advance, then freeze them (with or without sauce) in an airtight container. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge and warm in the oven or on the stovetop.
- Slow cooker option: If you want to keep the meatballs warm for a party or serve them later, you can transfer the cooked meatballs and sauce to a slow cooker and keep them on the “warm” setting. This also allows the flavors to meld together even more.
Recipe Variations:
- Spicy BBQ Meatballs: For a little heat, add a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture. You can also stir some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce into the BBQ sauce for a smoky, spicy kick.
- Cheesy BBQ Meatballs: For an indulgent twist, place a small cube of cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) inside each meatball before cooking. The cheese will melt inside, creating a gooey surprise with every bite.
- Hawaiian BBQ Meatballs: Add a tropical twist by stirring in crushed pineapple or pineapple juice to the BBQ sauce. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs perfectly with the savory meatballs and smoky BBQ sauce.
- Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Meatballs: Take your meatballs to the next level by wrapping each one with a half strip of bacon before baking. The bacon adds an extra layer of flavor and crispiness.
FAQ:
- Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce instead of making my own? Yes! If you’re short on time or prefer to use store-bought BBQ sauce, feel free to do so. Just make sure to choose a high-quality sauce with flavors you love.
- Can I make the meatballs in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare the meatball mixture and shape the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
- How do I store leftovers? Store leftover BBQ meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop in a skillet.
- Can I freeze BBQ meatballs? Yes, BBQ meatballs freeze well. To freeze, cook the meatballs as directed and let them cool completely. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying? Yes! Baking is a healthier and easier option. Simply place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
Conclusion:
These BBQ Meatballs are everything you want in a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish—juicy, flavorful, and smothered in a smoky, sweet BBQ sauce. Whether you’re serving them as a fun party appetizer, a hearty dinner, or in a sandwich, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. They’re easy to make, kid-friendly, and can be customized to suit your taste with different types of meat or sauce variations.
I can’t wait to see how your BBQ meatballs turn out! Be sure to share your creations with me on social media, and enjoy this tasty, comforting dish with friends and family. Happy cooking!
Print
BBQ Meatballs
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1/4 cup onion (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for tang)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for smokiness)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
- Form the Meatballs: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
- Prepare the BBQ Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, combine the barbecue sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika (if using) in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until heated through and well combined.
- Coat the Meatballs: Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large skillet. Pour the BBQ sauce over the meatballs and gently toss to coat them evenly.
- Simmer: Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce over low heat for about 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve: Transfer the BBQ meatballs to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 20g
