Meatballs in BBQ Sauce Recipe
Meatballs in BBQ Sauce Recipe features tender, juicy meatballs coated in rich, smoky barbecue sauce. Ground beef or a mix of meats forms flavorful meatballs, simmered in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. This dish can be prepared ahead, baked or pan-fried, stored in the fridge or freezer, and served with rice, potatoes, or bread.
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!