Description
BBQ Meatballs are a crowd-pleasing, saucy, and flavorful favorite perfect for weeknight dinners, game day appetizers, or meal prep. These juicy meatballs are oven-baked (or skillet-seared), then simmered in a smoky, sweet, and tangy barbecue sauce for a delicious bite that goes with just about everything.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
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1 lb ground beef
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1/4 cup breadcrumbs
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1 egg
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup grated onion
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1/4 tsp smoked paprika
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
For the BBQ Sauce:
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3/4 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
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1 tbsp honey or brown sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
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1 tsp apple cider vinegar or Dijon mustard (for tang)
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Optional: dash of hot sauce for heat
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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Make the meatballs:
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, Worcestershire, and seasonings until just combined. Don’t overmix. Roll into 18–20 meatballs and place on the baking sheet. -
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned (internal temp: 160°F).
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While meatballs bake, combine BBQ sauce, honey, vinegar, and hot sauce in a skillet over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer.
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Add baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 5–8 minutes, spooning sauce over them until well-glazed and coated.
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Serve warm over mashed potatoes, rice, in subs, or as a toothpick appetizer.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes