Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or prepping for a party, Oven-Baked BBQ Meatballs are a surefire hit. These juicy, savory meatballs are oven-baked to perfection and tossed in your favorite BBQ sauce for a sweet and smoky glaze. They’re easy to make, kid-friendly, and versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or main course.
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s explore what each ingredient brings to the table:
Ground Beef (1 lb)
This is the base of your meatballs. Opt for 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat) for the best balance of flavor and juiciness. Leaner beef can be used but may yield drier meatballs unless compensated with moisture from other ingredients.
Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup)
Breadcrumbs help bind the meat mixture and retain moisture, preventing the meatballs from becoming tough or falling apart. You can use:
Plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
Panko for a lighter texture
Gluten-free crumbs if needed
Milk (1/4 cup)
Combining milk with breadcrumbs creates a paste known as a panade, which adds tenderness and moisture to the meatballs.
Egg (1)
Acts as a binder to hold the mixture together and give structure.
Onion, Finely Diced (1/4 cup)
Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. Be sure to dice it finely so it blends into the meatballs without creating lumps or affecting texture.
Garlic Powder (1 tsp)
Infuses a warm, savory flavor throughout the meatballs. You can substitute with 1–2 cloves of minced fresh garlic for a stronger punch.
Paprika (1 tsp)
Adds a touch of smokiness and color. Smoked paprika is ideal, but sweet paprika works well too.
Salt & Pepper (1/2 tsp each)
Essential for seasoning. Feel free to adjust to taste.
BBQ Sauce (1 cup)
Use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce. A sweet and smoky variety works beautifully with the savory meatballs. Some good options:
Hickory-smoked BBQ
Honey BBQ
Spicy chipotle BBQ
Step-by-Step Preparation
Here’s how to bring these BBQ meatballs to life:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine:
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup finely diced onion
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
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