Description
This Homemade BBQ Meatballs recipe features tender, flavorful meatballs baked in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. Made with ground beef, oats, and a blend of spices, these meatballs are perfect for a comforting family dinner served alongside mashed potatoes and green beans.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 2 lbs. ground beef (85/15)
- 1 cup quick oats
- 1 (5-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
BBQ Sauce
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons liquid smoke
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, quick oats, evaporated milk, beaten egg, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, and kosher salt. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Shape Meatballs: Roll the mixture into golf-ball sized meatballs. Arrange them either in two smaller casserole dishes for easier freezing later or all in one large 9×13 baking dish.
- Prepare Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and kosher salt to make the BBQ sauce.
- Pour Sauce Over Meatballs: Evenly pour the prepared BBQ sauce over the arranged meatballs in the baking dish(es).
- Bake Meatballs: Place the dishes in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, until the sauce is bubbly and some oil has separated at the surface.
- Emulsify Sauce: Remove from oven and add 2–3 tablespoons of water. Stir gently to emulsify the sauce, helping it cling perfectly to the meatballs.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs hot alongside mashed potatoes and green beans for a hearty and delicious meal.
Notes
- Dividing the meatballs into two pans allows you to freeze one portion for later meals.
- Add water after baking to emulsify the sauce, improving its texture and coating.
- Use 85/15 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and fat.
- These meatballs freeze well and can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
