Description
These smoky BBQ meatballs are the ultimate game day one-pan dinner. They are sticky, savory, and easy to make, feeding a crowd without requiring constant attention in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 fat content)
- ½ pound (225g) ground pork
- ½ cup (50g) plain dried breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon oil (for browning)
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) sweet and smoky BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into 24-30 meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, honey, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs in batches on all sides for 2-3 minutes per side. Remove to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the BBQ sauce mixture into the skillet and let bubble for 1 minute.
- Return meatballs to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Cover and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted.
- Serve immediately in the skillet or transfer to a slow cooker to keep warm.
Notes
Do not overmix the meat to avoid tough meatballs. Browning the meatballs first adds essential flavor through the Maillard reaction. Use smoked paprika for authentic smoky flavor. Can be made ahead: roll meatballs and make sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs per serv
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 22
Keywords: BBQ meatballs, game day food, football dinner, one pan meal, smoky BBQ, easy dinner, crowd pleaser, make ahead