Print

Savory Meatballs in Sticky Sweet BBQ Sauce

savory meatballs sticky sweet bbq sauce - featured image
Print Recipe

Juicy meatballs made from a blend of ground beef and pork simmered in a sticky, sweet, and smoky BBQ sauce. Perfect for game day snacks or easy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • ½ lb ground pork
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
  • ⅓ cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp dried oregano (optional)
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp molasses
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (dark brown sugar preferred)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tbsp water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking meatballs; line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Shape mixture into 1½-inch meatballs.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with oil. Brown meatballs on all sides for 5-6 minutes total, or bake on prepared sheet for 15-18 minutes until golden.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, molasses, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), and water until smooth.
  6. Drain excess fat from skillet, pour BBQ sauce over browned meatballs, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes until sauce thickens and sticks to meatballs.
  7. Check internal temperature with instant-read thermometer; meatballs should reach 160°F (71°C). Cook longer if needed.
  8. Serve warm with toothpicks or over rice or mashed potatoes, drizzling extra sauce on top.

Notes

Do not overmix meatball mixture to keep them tender. Brown meatballs before simmering in sauce for best flavor and texture. Add water if sauce thickens too much. For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Molasses can be substituted with honey but flavor will differ. Liquid smoke can add smoky BBQ flavor. Chill meatballs before cooking to help hold shape.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatballs, BBQ sauce, game day recipe, easy dinner, savory meatballs, sticky sweet sauce, party appetizer

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/savory-meatballs-in-sticky-sweet-bbq-sauce-easy-homemade-recipe-for-game-day/