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hot_biteEasyAmerican

BBQ Meatballs

Tender homemade meatballs glazed in sweet and tangy barbecue sauce

⏱️ Prep: 25min🍳 Cook: 25min⏰ Total: 50min👥 Serves: 40🌡️ hot
⚠️ Contains: 🥛 Dairy, 🌾 Gluten, 🥚 Egg

Ingredients

  • 1 lbground beef(80/20)
  • 0.5 lbground pork
  • 0.5 cupbreadcrumbs
  • 1 largeegg
  • 0.25 cupmilk
  • 0.5 tspgarlic powder
  • 0.5 tsponion powder
  • 1 tspkosher salt
  • 1.5 cupsBBQ sauce(your favorite brand)
  • 0.25 cupgrape jelly(optional, adds glaze)
  • 2 tbspfresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)

📝 Make Ahead

Meatballs can be baked and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw and add to sauce. Finished dish keeps warm in slow cooker up to 4 hours.

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper
  2. Soak breadcrumbs in milk for 2 minutes
  3. Combine beef, pork, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt
  4. Mix gently until just combined - don't overwork
  5. Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place on prepared baking sheet
  6. Bake 15-18 minutes until cooked through
  7. Meanwhile, warm BBQ sauce with grape jelly in large skillet
  8. Add baked meatballs to sauce and toss to coat
  9. Simmer 5 minutes until sauce is thick and glossy
  10. Transfer to serving dish, garnish with parsley, serve with toothpicks

💡 Pro Tips

The combination of beef and pork creates the most tender, flavorful meatballs. Baking instead of frying is easier for large batches. The grape jelly trick adds shine and subtle sweetness - trust the process. Use a small cookie scoop for uniform meatballs that cook evenly.

📜 History

BBQ meatballs became a potluck and party staple in mid-century America, with the grape jelly and chili sauce version being particularly iconic. The combination of sweet and savory in a handheld format made them perfect for casual entertaining and game day gatherings.

🍸 Pairs Well With

Also pairs well with:

beerbourbonwhiskeycola