Homemade Barbecue Meatballs (with Classic BBQ Sauce)

Skip the frozen bag! These homemade barbecue meatballs are tender, flavorful, and simmered in a sweet and smoky BBQ sauce. They can be prepared on the stovetop, in the oven, or in a slow cooker.

These homemade barbecue meatballs are made entirely from scratch for a flavorful dish you can feel good about serving. The juicy, tender meatballs are simmered in a rich, smoky barbecue sauce made from simple pantry staples. The final result is a sweet and tangy bite with just the right amount of heat.

This recipe is perfect for just about any occasion. Serve the meatballs as a party appetizer with toothpicks, pile them into sliders for game day, or spoon them over mashed potatoes or rice for a comforting family dinner. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for easy weeknight meals, this versatile recipe is sure to become a favorite.

You’ll also find options to switch up the flavor. Try the optional cherry BBQ twist for something a little different, or take a shortcut with your favorite store-bought sauce when time is tight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Made from Scratch: Both the meatballs and the BBQ sauce are homemade using real, whole ingredients.
• Flexible Cooking Methods: Brown the meatballs on the stovetop or in the oven, then simmer them in the sauce or finish in the slow cooker for easy entertaining.
• Classic BBQ Flavor: The sauce is sweet, smoky, and tangy, with room to adjust to your own taste.
• Great for Parties or Dinner: Serve as bite-sized appetizers, in sliders, or as a hearty main dish over rice, mashed potatoes, or tucked into sandwiches.
• Make-Ahead & Freezer Friendly: Prepare in advance and freeze for easy meals down the road.

About the Ingredients

This recipe is made entirely from scratch using real food ingredients, and it’s flexible enough for substitutions based on what you have on hand. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to make the sauce and meatballs.

Barbecue Sauce Ingredients

This homemade bbq sauce is simple to make and comes together quickly using pantry staples. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, tangy, and savory flavors, and you can easily adjust it to suit your tastes.

Here’s a closer look at the ingredients:

• Ketchup or Tomato Sauce: Ketchup gives the sauce sweetness and body, while plain tomato sauce offers a more neutral base. Either works, depending on your preference. Ketchup will give you a slightly thicker and sweeter sauce.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds brightness and acidity to balance the sweetness. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can use white vinegar in a pinch.
• Brown Sugar or Maple Syrup: Sweetens the sauce and helps it caramelize slightly as it simmers.
• Molasses (Optional): Adds richness and depth to the sauce. Just a tablespoon or two brings a classic BBQ warmth. If you don’t have molasses, you can leave it out or add a bit more brown sugar.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides umami and complexity. If you’re avoiding anchovies or need a substitute, soy sauce or coconut aminos can work.
• Smoky and Savory Spices: Smoked paprika gives the sauce its signature smoky flavor, while garlic and onion powders add layers of flavor. Dry mustard or Dijon adds a little tang and a mild bite to round it all out.

For the Meatballs

These homemade meatballs are made with a handful of simple ingredients that come together for a tender, flavorful bite.

Here are a few notes about the key ingredients and possible substitutions:

• Ground Beef: Use ground round or sirloin for a leaner option, or ground chuck for a juicier, more flavorful meatball (just drain off the excess fat). You can also substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, ground pork, or a 50/50 mix based on your preferences.
• Breadcrumbs: Help hold the meatballs together and maintain a soft texture. Plain, panko, or homemade breadcrumbs all work well. Gluten-free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs as a substitute.
• Egg and Milk: Act as binders, helping keep the meatballs moist.
• Onion and Garlic: Provide fresh flavor and moisture.
• Herbs and Seasonings: A classic blend of parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper adds savory flavor that complements the smoky sauce. Use fresh or dried, whatever you have on hand.

Before you begin, gather all your ingredients and review the instructions so everything comes together smoothly.

Steps for Making Homemade BBQ Meatballs

This recipe walks you through making meatballs and a simple homemade barbecue sauce from scratch. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and instructions. Here’s an overview of the process:

Step 1: Make the Barbecue Sauce

Start by preparing the barbecue sauce so it’s ready to coat the meatballs once they’re browned. It will take about 15 minutes to throw together, and you can let it simmer while you prepare and cook your meatballs.

1. Add all of the BBQ sauce ingredients to a small saucepan and whisk to combine.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
3. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
4. Taste and adjust if needed. Add more vinegar for tang, more sweetener for balance, or water to thin.
5. Reduce the heat to low and keep the sauce warm while you prepare the meatballs.

Step 2: Make the Meatballs

Once your barbecue sauce is simmering on the stove, it’s time to prep the meatballs.

The meatballs mix quickly and hold their shape well as they brown. Be sure not to overwork the meat mixture to keep the texture tender.

How to Prepare the Meatballs:

1. In a large bowl, combine the egg, milk, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the liquid and soften.
2. Add the ground beef (or your preferred ground meat) to the bowl and break it up.
3. Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the meatballs tough.
4. Use a small scoop or your hands to form the meatball mixture into 1-inch balls, keeping them uniform in size so they cook evenly.

Choose Your Cooking Method:

You can brown the meatballs in a skillet or bake them in the oven, depending on your preference:

• Stovetop Browning: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches if needed, brown the meatballs on all sides, turning occasionally, for about 10 minutes total. Once browned, drain off any excess fat.
• Oven-Baked Meatballs: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Arrange the meatballs evenly on the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until browned.

Step 3: Simmer in Sauce or Finish in the Slow Cooker

Now that the meatballs are browned and your barbecue sauce is warm and ready, it’s time to bring everything together.

Stovetop Method:

1. Add sauce to the skillet: Pour the prepared BBQ sauce over the meatballs, then stir gently to coat them.
2. Simmer gently: Bring the sauce to a low simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to coat the meatballs in sauce and prevent sticking.
3. Check for doneness: The meatballs should be fully cooked through and tender when done (internal temperature of 160°F/71°C if you’re checking).

This method lets the meatballs absorb the sauce’s flavor as they finish cooking.

Slow Cooker Method:

If you’re making these for a party or want a more hands-off finish, you can make crockpot barbecued meatballs by simmering in a slow cooker:

1. Transfer to the slow cooker: After browning, place the meatballs in the slow cooker crock.
2. Add sauce: Pour the BBQ sauce over the top and gently stir to coat.
3. Cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. Once done, switch to the “warm” setting until ready to serve.

This option is great for keeping the meatballs warm on a buffet table or serving directly from the crock pot.

Ways to Enjoy BBQ Meatballs

Homemade barbecue meatballs are as versatile as they are delicious. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a cozy dinner idea, here are a few favorite ways to serve them:

• Appetizer Style: Stick a toothpick in each meatball and serve them straight from a platter or keep warm in a slow cooker for easy grazing at parties, game day, or holiday gatherings.
• Meatball Sliders: Tuck the meatballs into soft slider rolls or dinner rolls. Top with extra sauce and a slice of cheese or pickles for a fun handheld snack.
• Dinner Entrée: Spoon the meatballs and sauce over mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or cooked egg noodles for a satisfying main dish.
• BBQ Meatball Subs: Pile into toasted New England-style hot dog buns with a layer of melty cheese and serve with coleslaw or a side salad.
• Lunch Prep: Pack leftovers with roasted veggies or rice for easy weekday lunches.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Tips

This recipe is perfect for prepping in advance or storing leftovers for another day. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Make Ahead

• Meatballs: You can mix and shape the meatballs ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator (covered) for up to 24 hours before cooking.
• BBQ Sauce: The sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in a sealed container in the fridge.

Storage

• Refrigerate: Store cooked meatballs in sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, in the microwave, or in a slow cooker set to low until heated through.

Freezing

• Freeze Meatballs in Sauce: Let cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Freeze Raw Meatballs: Place shaped (uncooked) meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge before browning and simmering in sauce.

Skip the Mystery Meatballs: Make Them from Scratch

I hope these homemade barbecue meatballs become a go‑to favorite in your kitchen. There’s no need to rely on frozen meatballs with questionable ingredients when it’s this easy to make them yourself.

These homemade barbecue meatballs come together with simple pantry staples, full-flavored herbs, and a quick, sweet-and-smoky BBQ sauce you can whip up in minutes. Whether you’re planning for a party, game day, or just craving a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe gives you all the flexibility you need with real food and real flavor.

If you’re in the mood to try more homemade meatball recipes, check out:

• Swedish Meatballs with Cream Sauce: creamy, cozy comfort food.
• Orange Sweet and Sour Meatballs: a tangy, bright twist with pineapple and citrus.