If you have never met a meatball you didn’t like, then get ready for tangy, easy BBQ meatballs for dinner, an appetizer, or a midnight snack.
Most of us grew up with some version of meatballs. They may have been Swedish, Italian, or Asian, but there was likely a family meatball recipe floating around. The origin of meatballs is uncertain since many cultures have enjoyed them for thousands of years. After all, what could be more convenient than a plate or bowl full of moist little balls of meat at snack time, dinner time, or as an appetizer?
Some of the most popular ways we see meatballs in the United States are in Italian form (beside or on top of a plate of spaghetti with tomato sauce) or as an Italian-style main dish, similar to our skillet meatballs. Swedish meatballs covered in a creamy gravy are also popular. At parties and holiday meals, the meatball is often served as an appetizer, covered in sweet and sour or barbecue sauces.
In this recipe, we will focus on the barbecue method since it is so wonderfully delicious. One of my favorite parts about BBQ meatballs is that any type of barbecue sauce can be used. You simply need your favorite homemade or store-bought sauce, and you can choose whichever one tastes best to you. I prefer sweetness in my barbecue sauce, so I make sure I choose that type for the barbecue meatball recipe. However, if you prefer more heat or spice to your sauce, then choose accordingly. The sauce you choose is what will make these meatballs your own.
The Secret to Really Great Meatballs?
The secret to great meatballs isn’t the meat; it lies in the breadcrumbs. Using breadcrumbs in meatballs is a game changer. They work like sponges, soaking up all the juices and keeping the meatballs moist and tender. Without breadcrumbs, your meatballs can end up dry and dense rather than moist and juicy. Breadcrumbs also play a role in holding everything together, preventing your meatballs from falling apart while cooking. Additionally, they contribute to the soft texture of a meatball. If you are gluten-free, don’t worry—you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the same result or try meatballs without breadcrumbs, a recipe that substitutes parmesan for breadcrumbs.
How to Make Ahead and Store?
Storing your leftover BBQ meatballs is easy. Place them in an airtight container with a lid after cooling to room temperature. You can store them like this in the fridge for up to one week. You can also freeze the meatballs for up to six months in an airtight container or in freezer-safe food storage bags. When freezing, you may prefer to freeze only the meatballs without the barbecue sauce. Then, when reheating, toss the meatballs in the sauce.
How do I Know When the Meatballs are Done?
It can be tricky to know if a meatball is cooked all the way through, but usually, once they are nice and brown and sizzling, the meatballs are done. Still, if you want to be sure, you can use a meat thermometer. Make sure the thermometer reads at least 160° Fahrenheit.
Serving Suggestions
BBQ meatballs are great on their own, especially when served as an appetizer or snack. Still, if you would like the meatballs to be a main dish at mealtime, some side dishes to go along with them will round out the meal nicely. How about some BBQ meatballs with a plate of baked rice and grilled green beans? A cool arugula caprese salad with lemon basil dressing keeps the meal light yet filling, and Baked Bree’s Mediterranean salad with pomegranate lemon dressing with BBQ meatballs makes a perfect summertime meal. Simple dishes like this are great on top of a plate of buttered noodles as well and it keeps dinnertime quick and easy.
BBQ Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 85% lean
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until just combined.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, pour the BBQ sauce into a saucepan and warm over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the saucepan and gently toss them with the BBQ sauce until they are well coated.
- Serve the BBQ meatballs warm, garnished with parsley if desired.
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