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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://dylangranv.com/bbq-meatballs-recipe/