Sweet & Smoky BBQ Meatballs

Homemade BBQ meatballs glazed with sticky barbecue sauce on a white plate

Sweet & Smoky BBQ Meatballs

Sweet and smoky BBQ meatballs that are juicy, tender, and coated in a sticky homemade glaze. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game day snacks.

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Course: Appetizer, dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Southern

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 30

Chill Time: 30

Total Time: 1 15

Servings:

Calories: 380kcal

Cost: $12

Equipment

1 Large mixing bowl For combining meatball mixture
1 Baking sheet Lined with parchment
1 Saucepan To simmer the BBQ glaze
1 Parchment paper Prevents sticking
1 Cookie scoop (optional) For evenly sized meatballs
1 Meat thermometer To check doneness (165°F)

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

2 lbs ground beef 80/20 blend recommended
1 large egg beaten
¾ cup breadcrumbs panko preferred
½ cup yellow onion finely diced
3 garlic cloves minced
2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika

For the BBQ Sauce

1.5 cup barbecue sauce divided
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional

Instructions

Mix all meatball ingredients in a large bowl until just combined.
Shape into meatballs using a cookie scoop or your hands. Chill for 30 minutes to firm up.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
While the meatballs bake, add 1 cup BBQ sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne to a saucepan. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add cooked meatballs to the saucepan, tossing gently to coat. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side if desired.

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition