These BBQ Meatballs are pure comfort food! They’re like little meatloaf balls smothered in a homemade bbq sauce that’s sweet and tangy!
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!
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:
BBQ Meatballs
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
- 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
Shop:
- Large Sheet-pans
- Party Sized Deep Pan
- Oval glass serving dish
- BBQ sauce
- Liquid smoke
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!
