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Square overhead shot of bbq meatballs in a pan.
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5 from 1 vote

BBQ Meatballs

These easy baked meatballs in BBQ sauce are a quick dinner for busy weeknights, or a tasty party appetizer to prep ahead!
Course Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine American
Keyword bbq meatballs, meatballs in bbq sauce
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 32 minutes
Servings 22 meatballs
Calories 99kcal
Author Blair Lonergan

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground “meatloaf mix” (a combination of ground beef, pork and veal)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • ⅔ cup plain dry breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon seasoned salt, such as Lawry’s brand
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 18 ounce bottle barbecue sauce (such as Stubbs or Sweet Baby Ray's, or sub with your favorite homemade bbq sauce)

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, prepare the meatball mixture by using your hands or a fork to gently combine all of the ingredients except for the bbq sauce. If time allows, cover the bowl and chill for about 1 hour (this is optional, but will make the meatballs easier to shape).
    Process shot showing how to make bbq meatballs.
  • Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a scoop to shape the meat mixture into 1 ½-inch balls. Tip: rub your hands with a little bit of oil to prevent the meatballs from sticking. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
    BBQ meatballs on a rimmed baking sheet before they go in the oven.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F on an instant-read thermometer. Transfer the meatballs to a large skillet. Pour the barbecue sauce over top; stir gently to coat.
    Baked bbq meatballs tossed with store bought barbecue sauce.
  • Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, until the sauce it hot and bubbly.
    Square front shot of a serving spoon in a pan of the best bbq meatball recipe.

Notes

Crock Pot BBQ Meatballs: Bake the meatballs as instructed, and then transfer them to a slow cooker. Pour the barbecue sauce over top, cover the Crock Pot, and keep them on the "warm" setting for up to 3 hours. This is a great option when hosting a party, and it also makes dinnertime easy on busy nights!

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatball with sauce | Calories: 99kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 390mg | Potassium: 70mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 79IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg