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Foil Packet BBQ Meatballs Recipe Easy Smoky Flavor for Perfect Grilling

foil packet bbq meatballs - featured image

Juicy meatballs coated in a tangy, smoky BBQ sauce cooked in foil packets on the grill for easy, flavorful summer meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20)
  • ½ cup (50 g) breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • ½ small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp chipotle powder (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) BBQ sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat, about 350°F (175°C). If using charcoal, let the coals burn down to a steady heat with no flames.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, egg, chopped parsley, finely chopped onion, smoked paprika, chipotle powder (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Roll the mixture into 1 ½-inch (4 cm) meatballs, about 18-20 total. Wetting your hands slightly helps with shaping.
  4. In a small bowl, stir together BBQ sauce and honey.
  5. Tear off two large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, about 12×12 inches (30×30 cm) each. Place half the meatballs on one sheet and half on the other. Spoon half the BBQ sauce evenly over each group of meatballs. Seal the foil packets tightly to trap steam.
  6. Place foil packets on the grill grates and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  7. Carefully open the foil packets (watch for steam!). For a little char, place meatballs directly on the grill for 2-3 minutes per side, basting with leftover sauce. Otherwise, serve straight from the packets with extra sauce on the side.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to keep meatballs tender. Let meatballs rest 5 minutes after grilling for juiciness. Adding a splash of water or apple cider vinegar inside the foil packet before sealing can add moisture. If no grill is available, bake foil packets at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes and broil 2-3 minutes for caramelization.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ meatballs, foil packet recipe, grilling, smoky flavor, easy dinner, summer recipe, backyard barbecue