These Baked BBQ Meatballs are perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a party appetizer. The combination of sweet and tangy BBQ sauce and seasoned beef creates a satisfying dish everyone will love.

Baked BBQ Meatballs are a deliciously easy and flavorful dish that combines the smoky, sweet taste of barbecue with the savory, juicy goodness of homemade meatballs. The best part about these meatballs is that they are baked in the oven, which makes them a healthier alternative to frying. They are perfect for a weeknight dinner, party appetizers, or served alongside a variety of sides. These meatballs are coated with your favorite BBQ sauce, making each bite packed with mouthwatering flavor.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through how to make these baked meatballs from scratch, covering everything from the meatball mixture to the BBQ glaze. Whether you are using a store-bought BBQ sauce or making your own homemade sauce, these meatballs are sure to impress.

“Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all.” – Harriet Van Horne

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko or Italian-style)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

For the BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for tanginess)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, egg, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix until everything is combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this could make the meatballs tough.
• Once everything is combined, use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should have around 18-20 meatballs, depending on the size you make them.

2. Bake the Meatballs:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent the meatballs from sticking.
• Place the meatballs onto the baking sheet, making sure they are not touching each other to ensure they bake evenly.
• Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside. The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 160°F (71°C).

3. Prepare the BBQ Sauce:

• While the meatballs are baking, make the BBQ sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the BBQ sauce, honey (or brown sugar), apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is warmed through and well combined. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tanginess as needed, adding more honey or vinegar to balance the flavors.

4. Coat the Meatballs:

• Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared BBQ sauce over the meatballs and gently toss them to coat each meatball evenly in the sauce.
• If you like your meatballs extra saucy, feel free to add more BBQ sauce to taste.

5. Serve:

• Transfer the coated meatballs back to the baking sheet and return them to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the BBQ sauce to caramelize slightly. This will give the meatballs a delicious glaze and ensure that the sauce clings to them.
• Garnish the meatballs with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
• Serve the Baked BBQ Meatballs with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a side salad, or even on a bun as a BBQ meatball sub.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

(Assuming the recipe makes 4 servings, each serving consisting of 5 meatballs)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 14g

Tips for Perfect Baked BBQ Meatballs:

1. Don’t Overmix: When mixing the meatball ingredients, avoid overworking the meat. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs. Simply mix until everything is just combined.
2. Use Lean Ground Meat: Ground beef with 80% lean to 20% fat works best for these meatballs. It provides flavor and juiciness without being too greasy. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
3. Make the Meatballs Evenly Sized: Try to make each meatball roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. Using a cookie scoop can help with uniformity.
4. Bake Instead of Frying: Baking the meatballs instead of frying them reduces excess fat and makes cleanup easier. Plus, they stay nice and juicy!
5. Add Extra Flavor to the BBQ Sauce: If you want to give your BBQ sauce an extra flavor boost, try adding a little liquid smoke, Dijon mustard, or even a splash of bourbon to the sauce for depth.
6. Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs in advance, shape them, and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. You can also freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
7. Experiment with BBQ Sauces: Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces—try sweet, tangy, or smoky varieties to match your personal preference. Some people even like to mix sauces for a more complex flavor.

Why You’ll Love Baked BBQ Meatballs:

• Easy to Make: These baked BBQ meatballs are simple to make with just a few ingredients and minimal effort. The baking process is hands-off, so you can focus on other things while they cook.
• Flavorful: The combination of the savory meatball and the sweet, smoky BBQ sauce creates a flavorful bite every time. The sauce adds richness and enhances the meatballs’ natural taste.
• Healthy Option: By baking the meatballs instead of frying them, this recipe offers a healthier take on classic BBQ meatballs while still maintaining their delicious flavor.
• Versatile: Serve them as a main course, appetizer, or party snack. These meatballs are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: These meatballs store well in the fridge and make great leftovers. They can also be frozen for easy meal prep on busy days.

Variations:

• Spicy BBQ Meatballs: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a spicy kick.
• Cheesy Meatballs: Incorporate shredded mozzarella cheese into the meatball mixture for a cheesy surprise inside each bite.
• Vegetarian Version: For a meat-free alternative, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat or even lentils for a hearty veggie version.

Baked BBQ Meatballs are a crowd-pleasing dish that can easily be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, a casual gathering, or a party, these meatballs are sure to satisfy your cravings for something savory, smoky, and delicious. Enjoy!