Barbecued Meatballs are a delicious and crowd-pleasing dish, perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or as a hearty appetizer. These tender meatballs are packed with flavor, made from a savory mixture of ground meat, breadcrumbs, and spices. Once baked, they are simmered in a tangy barbecue sauce that caramelizes beautifully, creating a sweet and smoky glaze. Whether served over rice, in a sub roll, or on their own with toothpicks, these meatballs are a guaranteed hit for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the barbecue sauce:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for added smokiness)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
- Form the meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You should have about 20-24 meatballs.
- Bake the meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
- Prepare the barbecue sauce: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Combine the meatballs and sauce: Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the saucepan with the barbecue sauce. Stir to coat the meatballs evenly with the sauce. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the barbecued meatballs hot, either as a main dish or as an appetizer. They pair well with rice, mashed potatoes, or as sliders in buns.
Enjoy your sweet, tangy, and smoky Barbecued Meatballs, a dish that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!
