Meatballs in BBQ Sauce Recipe is a flavourful dish made from tender beef meatballs simmered in rich, smoky barbecue sauce.
This recipe tastes incredibly delicious, combining sweet, tangy, and savoury notes in every bite. I decided to make these Meatballs in BBQ Sauce Recipe after being inspired by watching how it was prepared in a cooking video.
I will now show up and share step by step how this mouthwatering Meatballs in BBQ Sauce Recipe is made.
Meatballs in BBQ Sauce Recipe
The Meatballs in BBQ Sauce Recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish known for its perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Juicy, tender meatballs are simmered in a rich homemade barbecue sauce made with brown sugar, vinegar, and spices, giving them a deep, mouthwatering glaze.
The main specialty of this recipe lies in its versatility it can be served as a main dish, appetizer, or party snack. Easy to prepare yet irresistibly delicious, it’s a comforting classic loved by both kids and adults.
How To Prepare Meatballs In BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: Serves 6
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet or skillet
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Saucepan
- Tongs or slotted spoon
Ingredients
For The Meatballs:
- 500 g (1.1 lb) ground beef
- ¾ cup rolled oats (or breadcrumbs)
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons milk (optional, for extra moisture)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
For The BBQ Sauce:
- 1½ to 2 cups barbecue sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup vinegar (apple cider vinegar preferred)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey)
- 2 teaspoons mustard
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- A pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
How To Make Meatballs In BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Step 1: Mix The Meatball Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, oats or breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, salt, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Use your hands or a spoon to gently combine everything until evenly mixed. Don’t overwork the mixture this keeps the meatballs soft and juicy.
Step 2: Shape The Meatballs
Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1½ inches wide. Place them on a tray or plate as you go. You’ll end up with roughly 20 to 24 meatballs, depending on size.
Step 3: Brown The Meatballs
Warm a little oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides for about 5 to 7 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet just seared enough to hold their shape and add flavor.
Step 4: Prepare The BBQ Sauce
In a separate saucepan, mix together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne (if you like heat). Stir and let it simmer on low for 5 to 10 minutes so the flavours come together.
Step 5: Cook The Meatballs In The Sauce
Gently place the browned meatballs into the pan with the BBQ sauce. Stir carefully to coat them well. Cover with a lid and let them simmer on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, until they’re cooked through and tender.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the meatballs hot with rice, mashed potatoes, or stuffed into sub rolls. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh finish. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts Of Meatballs in BBQ Sauce Recipe
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
Amazing Serving Ideas
1. Serve over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the smoky BBQ sauce.
2. Pair with steamed rice for a simple, comforting meal.
3. Arrange on toasted buns for hearty BBQ meatball sliders.
4. Toss into pasta for a flavorful, saucy twist on spaghetti.
5. Combine with roasted vegetables for a balanced and satisfying dinner.
Secrets To Perfect Meatballs In BBQ Sauce Recipe
➢ Choose fresh, high quality ground meat for juicy, flavourful meatballs.
➢ Mix ingredients gently to keep the meatballs tender, not dense.
➢ Chill the formed meatballs before cooking to help them hold shape.
➢ Simmer meatballs slowly in the BBQ sauce to fully absorb the flavours.
➢ Adjust the sauce’s balance of sweetness, tang, and spice for rich, smoky taste.
Best Variations
➣ Add finely chopped onions and bell peppers into the meatballs for extra flavor.
➣ Mix smoked paprika and chili powder into the sauce for a spicier kick.
➣ Incorporate grated cheese inside the meatballs for a gooey, cheesy center.
➣ Use a combination of BBQ sauce and tomato sauce for a tangier, richer flavor.
➣ Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Healthy Nutrition Benefits
Meatballs in BBQ Sauce Recipe provide a nutritious and satisfying meal option. Ground beef delivers high quality protein that supports muscle growth and repair, while oats or breadcrumbs add fiber for digestive health.
Garlic and parsley contribute antioxidants and essential vitamins that boost immunity. The moderate use of spices like paprika and cayenne enhances metabolism and adds flavor without excess calories.
Using a balanced amount of barbecue sauce adds sweetness and tang while keeping sugar and fat levels reasonable, creating a wholesome, nutrient rich dish.
Why This Meatballs in BBQ Sauce Recipe Is The Only One You’ll Need?
This Meatballs in BBQ Sauce Recipe stands out as the only one you’ll need because every bite bursts with deep, smoky flavor and tender, juicy texture.
The rich barbecue sauce coats each meatball beautifully, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. The balance of sweetness, tanginess, and spice brings out the best in the ingredients.
This recipe captures a homemade taste that feels hearty, satisfying, and unforgettable, making it a favourite for family dinners or gatherings.
Proper Storage
Proper storage of Meatballs in BBQ Sauce Recipe keeps them fresh and flavourful for later use. Allow the meatballs to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, transfer the meatballs and sauce into a freezer safe container and freeze for up to three months.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven until heated through, ensuring the sauce remains rich and smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use A Mix Of Meats For The Meatballs?
Yes, combining beef and pork enhances flavor and juiciness.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?
The meatballs can be prepared and refrigerated or frozen before cooking in the sauce.
Is It Possible To Bake The Meatballs Instead Of Pan Frying?
Yes, bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15–20 minutes until golden.
Can I Adjust The Sweetness Or Spiciness Of The Sauce?
The barbecue sauce can be modified with more sugar, honey, or chili flakes.
What Can I Serve With These Meatballs?
Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or inside sandwich rolls.
Conclusion
I truly enjoyed making this easy and delicious Meatballs in BBQ Sauce recipe, and I’m so happy with the flavourful, tender results.
It’s a simple dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. I hope you’ll be inspired to try it too it’s quick, fun to make, and sure to impress your family or guests.
Make Meatballs in BBQ Sauce Recipe soon and let me know how delicious it turns out for you!
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Espresso BBQ Sauce || Bold And Smoky
Meatballs in BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet or skillet
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Saucepan
- Tongs or slotted spoon
Ingredients
For The Meatballs:
- 500 g 1.1 lb ground beef
- ¾ cup rolled oats or breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons milk optional, for extra moisture
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
For The BBQ Sauce:
- 1½ to 2 cups barbecue sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup vinegar apple cider vinegar preferred
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 2 teaspoons mustard
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- A pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes optional, for heat
Instructions
Step 1: Mix The Meatball Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, oats or breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, salt, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Use your hands or a spoon to gently combine everything until evenly mixed. Don’t overwork the mixture this keeps the meatballs soft and juicy.
Step 2: Shape The Meatballs
- Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1½ inches wide. Place them on a tray or plate as you go. You’ll end up with roughly 20 to 24 meatballs, depending on size.
Step 3: Brown The Meatballs
- Warm a little oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides for about 5 to 7 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet just seared enough to hold their shape and add flavor.
Step 4: Prepare The BBQ Sauce
- In a separate saucepan, mix together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne (if you like heat). Stir and let it simmer on low for 5 to 10 minutes so the flavours come together.
Step 5: Cook The Meatballs In The Sauce
- Gently place the browned meatballs into the pan with the BBQ sauce. Stir carefully to coat them well. Cover with a lid and let them simmer on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, until they’re cooked through and tender.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the meatballs hot with rice, mashed potatoes, or stuffed into sub rolls. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh finish. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 310 kcal | Protein: 22 g | Carbohydrates: 18 g | Fat: 16 g | Sugar: 10 g | Fiber: 1 g | Sodium: 480 mg“Hi, I’m Samia, a passionate recipe creator with 5 years of experience in crafting delicious, unique dishes. My love for cooking has led me to explore a variety of cuisines, combining flavors to create memorable meals for every occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate feast, I believe in making every dish special. Join me on my culinary journey as I share easy-to-follow recipes and tips that will inspire your cooking and bring joy to your kitchen!”