BBQ Meatballs
Juicy, tender homemade meatballs simmered in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. This crowd-pleasing dish is perfect as a party appetizer or a satisfying weeknight dinner served over rice.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- b.In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated onion, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
- c.Using your hands, gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Form and Sear the Meatballs
- b.Roll the mixture into 16-20 meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- c.Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- d.Carefully place the meatballs in the hot skillet in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Sear for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.
- e.Remove the seared meatballs from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Create the BBQ Sauce
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, the remaining 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and water.
- c.Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Let it bubble gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer and Serve
- b.Return the seared meatballs to the skillet. Gently stir to coat them completely in the BBQ sauce.
- c.Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- d.Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the juiciest meatballs, use ground beef with a higher fat content, like 80/20 or 85/15.
- 2Grating the onion instead of dicing it helps it melt into the meatball, providing moisture and flavor without a chunky texture.
- 3Use a small cookie or ice cream scoop to ensure all your meatballs are a uniform size for even cooking.
- 4Don't skip searing! It creates a delicious crust and helps the meatballs hold their shape in the sauce.
- 5For a deeper flavor, make the sauce in the same pan you seared the meatballs in, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom.
Adapt it for your goals.
Meat Variation
Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a 50/50 mix of ground pork and beef for a different flavor and texture.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for some heat.
Smoky FlavorSmoky Flavor
For an extra smoky taste, add 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce.
Gluten Free OptionGluten-Free Option
Make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free panko or crushed pork rinds instead of regular breadcrumbs, and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Ground beef is rich in high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in Iron
This dish provides a significant amount of heme iron from the beef, a type of iron that is more easily absorbed by the body. Iron is crucial for producing red blood cells and preventing anemia.
Contains Lycopene
The ketchup, made from tomatoes, is a good source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help protect cells from damage and is linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of these BBQ Meatballs (about 4-5 meatballs with sauce) contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the fat content of the ground beef and specific brands of ingredients used.