Description
Ready for tender, smoky-sweet meatballs that taste like a backyard BBQ—minus the grill drama? These BBQ Meatballs are seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a sticky, tangy homemade sauce that hugs every bite. Comfort food meets easy weeknight win—perfect for parties, sliders, or piling over mashed potatoes. Grab that wooden spoon—redemption (and serious flavor) is calling!
Ingredients
Meatballs
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1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
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½ lb ground pork (or use all beef)
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½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular)
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¼ cup grated Parmesan
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½ cup milk
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1 egg
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½ cup chopped onion
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2–3 cloves garlic, minced
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¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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½ tsp red pepper flakes
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Salt & black pepper
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2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
BBQ Sauce
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1 medium onion, chopped
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3–4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup ketchup
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp chili powder
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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¼–½ cup beef broth
Instructions
1️⃣ Mix & Roll: Combine all meatball ingredients in a large bowl. Mix gently—don’t overwork! Roll into 1½-inch balls.
2️⃣ Sear: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear meatballs in batches until golden on all sides (2–3 mins per side). Transfer to a plate.
3️⃣ Sauce: In same skillet, sauté onion 4 mins. Add garlic, cook 1 min. Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire, and broth. Scrape up browned bits—flavor gold! Simmer 10 mins until thickened.
4️⃣ Simmer: Nestle meatballs into sauce. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20–25 mins until cooked through (165°F inside). Spoon sauce over as they cook!
Notes
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Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches for best sear.
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Sauce too thick? Add broth 1 tbsp at a time.
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Great make-ahead: tastes even better next day!
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 30 mins
Nutrition
- Calories: 430 kcal per serving
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 28g