How do you make BBQ meatballs from scratch?

To make BBQ meatballs from scratch, combine ground beef, oats, milk, minced onion, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Form into balls, chill briefly, then dredge in flour. Brown in oil, transfer to a baking dish, and pour over a sauce made from ketchup, sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, and onion. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes until cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

What kind of meat is best for BBQ meatballs?

An 80/20 ground beef blend works best for BBQ meatballs, providing enough fat for juicy, flavorful results. For variety, you can use a 50/50 mix of ground beef and ground pork, or substitute ground turkey for a lighter option, though you may need to add a tablespoon of olive oil to maintain moisture.

What BBQ sauce works best with meatballs?

Homemade BBQ sauce as described in this recipe creates the best flavor, balancing sweet, tangy, and savory notes. If using store-bought, choose a medium-bodied sauce that's not too thick or too sweet. Kansas City-style or classic BBQ sauces work well, while you may want to thin out thicker sauces with a little beef broth.

Can you make BBQ meatballs in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes! For slow cooker BBQ meatballs, brown them first, then cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. For Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown meatballs, add sauce, then pressure cook for 5 minutes with a 10-minute natural release. The sauce may need to be reduced afterward using the sauté function.

How long do you cook BBQ meatballs in the oven?

BBQ meatballs typically need about 45 minutes in a 350°F oven. This timing allows the meatballs to cook through completely while the sauce thickens and caramelizes slightly. Larger meatballs may require up to 60 minutes, while smaller ones might be done in 35 minutes.

Can you make BBQ meatballs ahead of time or freeze them?

Yes, BBQ meatballs are perfect for make-ahead meals. After cooking, refrigerate them for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 325°F for 15-20 minutes or in a slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours.

BBQ Meatballs – The Best Homemade Recipe Guide

BBQ Meatballs

Print Recipe

Juicy, tender meatballs glazed with tangy-sweet homemade BBQ sauce – perfect for parties or family dinners.

Author: Chef Rina
Prep Time: 20
Cook Time: 55
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 24 1x
Category: Main Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 lb. ground beef
3/4 cup oats
1 cup milk
1/2 cup finely minced onion, divided
1 1/2 tsp. salt
Plenty of ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour
Canola oil, for browning
1 cup ketchup
2 Tbsp. sugar
3 Tbsp. white vinegar
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 dash Tabasco

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Mix ground beef, oats, milk, 3 tablespoons onion, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
Form into medium-small balls and place on a baking sheet.
Freeze for 5 minutes, then dredge in flour.
Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown meatballs on all sides.
Transfer browned meatballs to a baking dish.
Combine ketchup, sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, and remaining onion in a bowl.
Pour sauce over meatballs and bake for 45 minutes.
Serve with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Notes

Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 24
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 21g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: BBQ meatballs, homemade meatballs, tangy BBQ sauce, party appetizers

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