Sweet & Smoky Barbecue Meatballs
These Sweet & Smoky Barbecue Meatballs are a cherished family recipe passed down from my dear friend Paula. Over the years, I have perfected this dish, and it's now a staple at our family gatherings and weeknight dinners. These meatballs are incredibly easy to prepare, combining the rich flavors of ground chuck with the sweetness of brown sugar and ketchup, balanced by a subtle smokiness that makes every bite utterly delicious. Your family will rave about these tender, juicy meatballs, which are perfect served over rice or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Bring joy to your table with this crowd-pleasing recipe!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Chuck
2 lbs (raw)
Evaporated Milk
1 can (12 oz) (none)
Large Eggs
2 (beaten)
Quick Oats
2 cups (none)
Chopped Onion
1 cup (finely chopped)
Garlic Salt
2 teaspoons (none)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Chili Powder
2 teaspoons (none)
Ketchup
2 cups (none)
Brown Sugar
1 1/2 cups (packed)
Liquid Smoke
2 teaspoons (none)
Barbecue Sauce
1 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chuck, evaporated milk, beaten eggs, quick oats, chopped onion, garlic salt, pepper, and chili powder. Mix everything together until all ingredients are well combined.
3
Using a large ice cream or cookie scoop, form the meat mixture into balls and place them in a 12x16-inch baking pan, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, liquid smoke, and barbecue sauce until smooth. Pour this mixture over the prepared meatballs, making sure they are well coated.
5
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
6
Once cooked, let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving. These delicious meatballs can be served over rice or with your favorite side dishes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet & Smoky Barbecue Meatballs?
They are tender, juicy meatballs made with ground chuck and quick oats, baked in a rich glaze of ketchup, brown sugar, and liquid smoke.
What type of meat should I use for these meatballs?
This recipe specifically calls for 2 lbs of ground chuck for the best flavor and texture.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the meatballs.
How long do the meatballs need to bake?
The meatballs should bake uncovered for 1 hour until cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
What is the purpose of evaporated milk in the recipe?
One 12 oz can of evaporated milk is used to provide moisture and a rich consistency to the meat mixture.
Can I use regular oats instead of quick oats?
The recipe calls for quick oats as they act as a better binder for the meat; regular oats may result in a chunkier texture.
What size baking pan is required?
A 12x16-inch baking pan is recommended to ensure the meatballs are evenly spaced.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What ingredients make up the barbecue glaze?
The glaze consists of ketchup, brown sugar, liquid smoke, and your choice of barbecue sauce.
Is liquid smoke necessary for this recipe?
Liquid smoke provides the essential 'smoky' element of the Sweet & Smoky flavor profile, so it is highly recommended.
How should the onions be prepared?
The onions should be finely chopped before being mixed into the ground chuck.
Do I need to brown the meatballs in a skillet first?
No, these meatballs are placed directly in the pan raw and baked in the oven with the sauce.
What spices are used to season the meat?
The meat is seasoned with garlic salt, pepper, and chili powder.
What is the best way to form the meatballs?
Using a large ice cream or cookie scoop helps to create uniform meatball sizes easily.
Should the baking pan be covered with foil?
No, the meatballs should be baked uncovered to allow the sauce to thicken and bubble.
What should I serve with these meatballs?
They are perfect served over white rice or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce.
Can I substitute the ground chuck with another meat?
While ground chuck is preferred, you could use ground beef or a blend, though the fat content may change the texture.
Is the sauce very sweet?
Yes, with 1.5 cups of brown sugar and 2 cups of ketchup, the sauce has a distinct and delicious sweetness.
How many eggs are used as a binder?
The recipe requires 2 large beaten eggs to help hold the meatballs together.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can form the meatballs and prepare the sauce ahead of time, then bake them when you are ready to serve.
What category of meal is this considered?
This recipe is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
Does the recipe contain chili powder?
Yes, it uses 2 teaspoons of chili powder for a subtle spice depth.
Where did this recipe originate?
It is a cherished family recipe passed down from a friend named Paula.
Is the brown sugar packed or loose?
The 1.5 cups of brown sugar should be packed when measuring.
How much barbecue sauce is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce in the glaze.
Should the meatballs rest after cooking?
Yes, letting the meatballs rest for a few minutes after baking helps the flavors settle before serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this dish suitable for family gatherings?
Absolutely, it is described as a crowd-pleasing staple for family gatherings and weeknight dinners.
What is the texture of the meatballs?
They are known for being incredibly tender and juicy due to the evaporated milk and quick oats.
Can I reduce the amount of garlic salt?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons, but you can adjust seasonings to your personal dietary preferences.