Barbecue meatballs are not your typical Italian meatballs with breadcrumbs, herbs, or parmesan cheese. They are rather very similar to classic meatloaf, in taste with a hickory sweet sauce. Which is why there’re best served with a side of mashed potatoes or rice for complete comfort food!

baked bbq meatballs in a baking dish

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I discovered these meatballs at a lunch gathering from church, one Sunday afternoon. Jen had made these baked bbq meatballs that she mentioned were served at her wedding along with her scalloped potatoes. As a result, I then asked for the recipe, which she willingly shared. Furthermore, when I made these for dinner, my children devoured them and my 3-year old kept on asking for more! They are so delicious! If you like meatloaf then you are in for some real comfort food here!

BBQ Meatballs

Like my meatloaf recipe, these are made from oatmeal, which makes a great strengthening component. I love that it’s a healthy addition without compromising on the classic comfort food taste. Therefore, if you’re also watching your health, the sugar in the sauce can be substituted for 1/2 cup of honey, making it much healthier! This recipe makes a hearty batch, which actually works quite well for our family of seven, so you may want to consider that if feeding smaller crowds.

How to make Baked BBQ Meatballs:

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BBQ Meatballs

5 from 1 vote
By: Alyona Demyanchuk
These BBQ Meatballs are pure comfort food! They're like little meatloaf balls smothered in a homemade bbq sauce that's sweet and tangy! This classic can you remind of grandma, it's so good!
baked bbq meatballs in a baking dish
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients 

Meatballs:

  • 3 lbs ground beef
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 2 cups oatmeal
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 onion, finely grated
  • 1 tsp garlic salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 2 tsp chili powder

BBQ Sauce:

  • 2 cups ketchup
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp garlic salt
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder

Instructions

How to make Baked BBQ Meatballs:

  • Pre-heat oven to 400°F.
  • Combine all the meatball ingredients. Scoop and roll into 2-inch balls and place them onto a cookie sheet.
  • Combine the sauce ingredients and pour over meatballs. Bake for 45 minutes.
  • Serve with potatoes and a side of green beans!

Notes

NOTES: Here is the exact 2-inch ice cream scoop that I used for the meatballs. It is the best and so heavy duty (not sponsored.) Doesn't click out of place like cheaper ones. 
  • BAKING: Use a party-sized baking dish for feeding large crowds. I own one and it's so handy! 
  • Bake frozen for  45 minutes or until done. 
  • This batch makes two sheet pans full of meatballs. 
  • To Freeze: Flash freeze first, then stack into a freezer bag. 

Nutrition (per serving)

1serving Serving445kcal Calories31g Carbs23g Protein25g Fat10g Saturated Fat111mg Cholesterol1055mg Sodium541mg Potassium1g Fiber24g Sugar393IU Vitamin A2mg Vitamin C82mg Calcium3mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
BBQ Meatballs
Serving Size
 
1 serving
Amount per Serving
Calories
445
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
25
g
38
%
Saturated Fat
 
10
g
63
%
Cholesterol
 
111
mg
37
%
Sodium
 
1055
mg
46
%
Potassium
 
541
mg
15
%
Carbohydrates
 
31
g
10
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
24
g
27
%
Protein
 
23
g
46
%
Vitamin A
 
393
IU
8
%
Vitamin C
 
2
mg
2
%
Calcium
 
82
mg
8
%
Iron
 
3
mg
17
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Q&A

What do Barbecue Meatballs taste like?

Barbecue meatballs are not your typical Italian meatballs with breadcrumbs, herbs, or parmesan cheese. They are rather very similar to classic meatloaf, in taste with a hickory sweet sauce. Which is why there’re best served with a side of mashed potatoes or rice for complete comfort food!

What Sides go with BBQ Meatballs?

Here is a list of sides that would go great:

 

Can I make them in the Crockpot?

Making meatballs in the slow cooker takes longer to make, but can be kept warm for a later event (which works great for those afternoon guests!) To go with a crockpot method in cooking,  follow the recipe as directed, except placing everything into a slow cooker. Then cook on Hi for 4 hours.

What are the ingredients?

Barbecue meatballs are very easy to make and call for many simple ingredients! Here is an over-cap of all the ingredients:

  • Beef
  • milk
  • oatmeal
  • eggs
  • onion
  • salt
  • pepper
  • chili powder

BBQ Sauce:

  • Ketchup
  • brown sugar
  • salt
  • dried onion

Can I omit the sugar?

Yes! The 3/4 cup of sugar for the sauce can be omitted for 1/2 cup of honey.

How long do you bake meatballs for?

Depending on the quantity made, it can take as quick as 25 to 45 minutes. As a result, the smaller the batch the less time is required to bake, and the more meatballs the more baking time is needed since the capacity can extend the baking time. One sheet pan will take around a 20-minute mark. Two sheet pans full (which is equivalent to this recipe) will take 45 minutes, depending on the temperature of the oven.

Tips:

  • Add a few drops of liquid smoke for a smokier sauce!
  • Flash freeze uncooked meatballs for a future dinner.
  • This sauce makes just enough for this recipe if halving, half the sauce.
  • Best served with a side of potatoes!