BBQ Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

These BBQ meatballs are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for any occasion. Tender, juicy meatballs are coated in a tangy homemade BBQ sauce and baked to perfection. Serve them as a main course or party appetizer for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (around 80/20)
• 1/3 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup minced onion
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 packet onion soup mix (less to taste as it’s fairly salty)
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, rolled oats, whole milk, Worcestershire sauce, egg, minced onion, and minced garlic. Mix everything well until fully incorporated.
3. Step 3: Shape the mixture into 12 evenly sized, loosely compacted meatballs.
4. Step 4: Heat the vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
5. Step 5: Add the meatballs to the skillet, cooking in batches if necessary. Brown each meatball for about 3 minutes per side until they develop a nice crust.
6. Step 6: While the meatballs brown, whisk together ketchup, water, and onion soup mix in a small bowl to make the sauce.
7. Step 7: Pour the sauce evenly over the browned meatballs. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Alternatively, transfer the meatballs to a casserole dish, cover with the sauce, and bake.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder to the meat mixture.
• Try substituting ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, use a regular skillet for browning and then transfer meatballs and sauce to a baking dish.
• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a teaspoon of brown sugar to the sauce for added tang and sweetness.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and brown the meatballs a day in advance. Keep them refrigerated and add the sauce before baking when ready to serve.

What can I serve with BBQ meatballs?

These meatballs pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or on slider buns for a tasty sandwich option.

BBQ Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 144 reviews

These BBQ Meatballs combine juicy ground beef with savory flavors and a tangy barbecue sauce. Made with simple ingredients like oats for texture and an easy homemade sauce, they are browned in a skillet and finished in the oven for a perfect balance of crispness and tenderness. Great as a hearty appetizer or main dish, these meatballs are flavorful and satisfying.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 26 minutes
• Total Time: 41 minutes
• Yield: 12 meatballs 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef (around 80/20)
• 1/3 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup minced onion
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

BBQ Sauce

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 packet onion soup mix (adjust quantity to taste as it is fairly salty)
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the meatballs after browning.
2. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, rolled oats, whole milk, Worcestershire sauce, egg, minced onion, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly but gently to evenly distribute all ingredients without overworking the meat.
3. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 12 evenly sized, loosely compacted balls to ensure even cooking and tender texture.
4. Brown Meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches if necessary, cooking each side for about 3 minutes or until nicely browned on all sides.
5. Prepare BBQ Sauce: While the meatballs are browning, whisk together ketchup, water, and onion soup mix in a small bowl until smooth to create the barbecue sauce.
6. Combine and Bake: Spoon the barbecue sauce evenly over the browned meatballs in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Alternatively, you may transfer meatballs to a casserole dish, cover them with the sauce, and bake similarly.

Notes

• You can adjust the amount of onion soup mix in the sauce based on your salt preference as it tends to be salty.
• Using rolled oats as a binder adds texture and moisture absorption without gluten, but quick oats or breadcrumbs can be alternatives.
• Make sure to use an oven-safe skillet for the browning step to avoid extra dishes.
• For a variation, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added freshness.
• Serve these meatballs with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or as a sandwich filling for versatile meal options.

Keywords: BBQ meatballs, ground beef meatballs, baked meatballs, appetizer, American barbecue, easy meatball recipe