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.
Ingredients
BBQ Sauce Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups ketchup or plain tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons molasses optional, adds richness
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard or 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup water to thin, if needed
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup dried bread crumbs
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 2 tablespoons fresh, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 teaspoon fresh, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil or 1 teaspoon fresh, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Instructions for the BBQ Sauce:
- Add the ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, salt, and pepper to a small saucepan and whisk to combine.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust if needed. Add more vinegar for tang, more sugar for sweetness, or water to thin to your desired consistency.
- Turn the heat to low and keep the barbecue sauce warm while you make your meatballs.
Instructions for the Meatballs:
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat.
- In a large bowl, combine the egg, milk, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, parsley, thyme, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes so the breadcrumbs can absorb the moisture and soften.
- Add the ground beef to the bowl and mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. You should get about 20 to 24 meatballs, depending on size.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs, brown on all sides, then drain off excess fat.
- Pour the prepared barbecue sauce over the meatballs in the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
- Recipe yields 20 to 24 meatballs.
Notes
Oven-Baked Option: Instead of browning the meatballs in a skillet, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Then transfer to the warm barbecue sauce and simmer on the stovetop or finish in a slow cooker as directed.
To Finish Cooking in a Slow Cooker: After browning the meatballs, transfer them to a slow cooker. Pour the barbecue sauce over the top, cover, and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. Switch to the warm setting until ready to serve.
Nutrition
Serving: 4meatballsCalories: 338kcalCarbohydrates: 20.8gProtein: 14.2gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 2.9gCholesterol: 96mgSodium: 467mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 13.5g
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