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These homemade barbeque meatballs are a big hit! Packed with protein and bursting with flavor, they’re ideal whether you’re in search of the perfect appetizer or a hearty main dish.
And the sweet homemade bbq sauce that coats the meatballs? It’s simply divine! So, grab your mixing bowl and let’s get started as I show you how to make homemade barbeque meatballs!
EQUIPMENT NEEDED AS I SHOW YOU HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE BARBEQUE MEATBALLS
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting board & knife (if using onion)
- Grater (if adding carrot)
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Tablespoon cookie scoop (or ice cream scoop)
- Whisk
- Cast iron pan or baking dish
- Oven
INGREDIENTS NEEDED
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 onion chopped (or 1/4 tsp. onion powder)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/8 tsp. pepper
- 1 slice bread, cut into cubes
- 1/4 c. quick oats
- 1 medium carrot, finely grated (if you want to sneak in some extra veggies)
- nonstick cooking spray (I use this)
For the homemade barbeque sauce:
- 2 c. ketchup
- 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 c. brown sugar
- 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/8 tsp. pepper
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE BARBEQUE MEATBALLS
Making the meatballs:
First, preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and spray cast iron pan or baking dish with cooking spray.
Prepare the ingredients needed for your meatballs. Dice up the bread. Chop the onion and grate the carrot (if you are using them).
Next, crack the egg in a large bowl. Add in the ground beef and remaining meatball ingredients. Mix everything together until just combined. I prefer to dig in with my hands to mix, however if you choose, you could certainly use a wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix or it will result in tough meatballs.
Finally, using a tablespoon size cookie scoop (or ice cream scoop), portion out the meatball mixture. Roll the portions between your hands to form round meatballs.
Place meatballs in your cast iron pan or baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.
Bake in 375 degree oven for 24-26 minutes, turning them over half-way through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Preparing the sauce:
As meatballs are baking, measure all the homemade barbeque sauce ingredients into a medium size bowl. Whisk until combined. Set aside.
After meatballs are done baking, smother the baked meatballs with prepared sauce and bake another 15 minutes until sauce is heated.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
When served as the main course rather than just another appetizer, bbq meatballs alongside your favorite potato salad make for an unbeatable summer picnic. In the chillier seasons, the combination of buttery mashed potatoes, green beans, and delicious cornbread offers a particularly comforting meal.
CAN THESE DELICIOUS MEATBALLS BE MADE AHEAD OF TIME?
Yes! You can bake the meatballs a day in advance following the same directions provided. Once cooled, mix the bbq sauce and pour it over the meatballs in an airtight container or even a ziplock gallon size bag. Allow them to marinate until you’re ready to reheat the following day. This process will enhance the flavors even more. Delicious!
CAN YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE GLUTEN FREE?
Certainly! In order to make these homemade barbeque meatballs gluten free, omit the bread and quick oats. Instead, substitute a 1/3 cup gluten free oat flour and mix as directed above.
Note: If you don’t have oat flour on hand, put 1/3 cup of gluten free oats in a blender and pulse until oats become a fine flour.
STORING LEFTOVERS
Allow leftover meatballs to cool. Store them in a shallow, airtight container (preferably glass) for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Homemade Barbeque Meatballs
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 onion chopped or 1/4 tsp. onion powder
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/8 tsp. pepper
- 1 slice bread cut into cubes
- 1/4 c. quick oats
- 1 medium carrot finely grated (if you want to sneak in some extra veggies)
- nonstick cooking spray
For the Homemade Barbeque Sauce:
- 2 c. ketchup
- 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 c. brown sugar
- 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/8 tsp. pepper
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
Instructions
Making the meatballs:
- First, preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and spray cast iron pan or baking dish with cooking spray.
- Prepare the ingredients needed for your meatballs. Dice up the bread. Chop the onion and grate the carrot (if you are using them).
- Next, crack the egg in a large bowl. Add in the ground beef and remaining meatball ingredients. Mix everything together until just combined. I prefer to dig in with my hands to mix, however if you choose, you could certainly use a wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix or it will result in tough meatballs.
- Finally, using a tablespoon size cookie scoop (or ice cream scoop), portion out the meatball mixture. Roll the portions between your hands to form round meatballs.
- Place meatballs in your cast iron pan or baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.
- Bake in 375 degree oven for 24-26 minutes, turning them over half-way through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Preparing the sauce:
- As meatballs are baking, measure all the homemade barbeque sauce ingredients into a medium size bowl. Whisk until combined. Set aside.
- After meatballs are done baking, smother the baked meatballs with prepared sauce and bake another 15 minutes until sauce is heated.
PIN IT FOR LATER!
So go ahead and try out these tasty meatballs…They may just become your new favorite party appetizer!
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