Barbecue Meatballs

When it comes to crowd-pleasing comfort food, these homemade barbecue meatballs are hard to beat. Our barbecue meatball recipe strikes the perfect balance between ease and indulgence, combining savory meatballs with a tangy barbecue sauce that will have your guests going back for seconds.

The best part? With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can create a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering on the stove all day. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner, these barbecue meatballs deliver big flavor without hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Barbecue Meatballs

• Egg: One large egg helps bind the meatballs together.
• Evaporated milk: A can of evaporated milk adds creaminess and moisture to the meatballs.
• Oats: A cup of quick-cooking oats provides a hearty texture to the meatballs and keeps them tender while they cook.
• Onion: Finely chopped onion offers sweetness and depth of flavor to the meatballs.
• Seasonings: Chili powder and garlic powder add smokiness and flavor to the meatball mixture.
• Ground beef: Ground beef forms the base of the barbecue meatball recipe.

Sauce:

• Ketchup: A cup of ketchup serves as the base for the barbecue sauce, adding sweetness and tang.
• Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar adds caramel-like sweetness to the sauce as it simmers.
• Onion: The onion does double duty, adding more flavor to the sauce.
• Liquid smoke (optional): To enhance the smokiness of the sauce, add an optional teaspoon of liquid smoke.
• Garlic powder: Garlic powder’s smoke and flavor enhance the sauce as well.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the meatball mixture

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Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the egg, evaporated milk, oats, onion, salt, chili powder, garlic powder and pepper. Crumble the ground beef over the mixture and mix well. Shape the meat mixture into 1-inch balls.

Editor’s Tip: A small cookie scoop can help you achieve uniform meatballs.

Step 2: Bake the meatballs

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Place the meatballs on a greased rack in a shallow baking pan. Bake, uncovered, for 18 to 20 minutes or until the meat is no longer pink; drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Make the barbecue sauce

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In a saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, onion, liquid smoke and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for two minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

Step 4: Combine the meatballs and sauce

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Pour the hot sauce over the baked meatballs, ensuring each is well coated. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 12 minutes.

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Barbecue Meatball Variations

• Add a spicy kick: For a spicy twist to this barbecue meatball recipe, add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce.
• Use different meats: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken or pork for a different flavor profile.
• Amp up the smoky flavor: Enhance the smokiness by adding more liquid smoke or using smoked paprika in the meatball sauce.
• Add a cheesy twist: Insert a small cube of cheddar cheese into the center of each meatball before baking for a gooey surprise with each bite.

How to Store Barbecue Meatballs

Leftovers of these barbecue meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through before serving.

Can you freeze barbecue meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze barbecue meatballs, minus the sauce—freeze that separately. After baking, allow the meatballs to cool completely before placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze the meatballs until they’re solid, then transfer them to freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze them for up to three months. Thaw both the meatballs and sauce in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and mixing together.

Barbecue Meatball Tips

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How do you keep barbecue meatballs moist?

The addition of evaporated milk and oats in this barbecue meatballs recipe helps keep the meatballs moist. However, you should also avoid overmixing the meat and overcooking it to ensure they stay nice and juicy.

What’s the best meat to use for barbecue meatballs?

While this recipe calls for just ground beef, you can also make meatballs using a mixture of beef and pork for extra flavor. A 50-50 mix of beef and pork works well as your base.

What can you serve with barbecue meatballs?

These barbecue meatballs pair well with a variety of side dishes, such as creamy mashed potatoes, cilantro-lime rice, coleslaw or a fresh green salad.

How do you keep barbecue meatballs from falling apart?

Form the meatballs into tight, uniform balls to prevent them from falling apart. Chilling them for 30 minutes before baking can also help them hold their shape better.

Can you make barbecue meatballs in a slow cooker?

This barbecue meatball recipe can easily be adapted for the slow cooker. Bake the meatballs as directed before transferring them to a slow cooker. In a separate bowl, mix the ingredients for the sauce, then pour it over the meatballs and cook on low for two to three hours.