Sweet and Smoky Baked Barbecue Meatballs
Indulge in these irresistibly delicious Sweet and Smoky Baked Barbecue Meatballs, crafted for flavor and comfort. The meatballs are first baked to a perfect golden brown, locking in moisture and enhancing their texture. Tossed in a rich, homemade barbecue glaze that balances sweetness with a delightful smoky undertone, each bite will leave you wanting more. Adjust the sweetness to your liking by starting with a modest amount of brown sugar and customizing it to suit your taste buds. Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or as a delicious appetizer, this dish is sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
262.5
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
ketchup
1 1/2 cups (none)
onion
1 small (finely chopped)
fresh minced garlic
2 teaspoons (none)
brown sugar
3/4 cup (or to taste)
liquid smoke seasoning
2 teaspoons (none)
cayenne pepper
1 pinch (optional or to taste)
lean ground beef
1 1/2 lbs (none)
milk or evaporated milk
1/3 cup (none)
breadcrumbs or quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup (none)
seasoning salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
chili powder
2 teaspoons (use the mild chili powder for making chili)
fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, milk, breadcrumbs (or oats), seasoning salt, chili powder, black pepper, and two tablespoons of minced garlic. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated; if the mixture appears too loose, add extra breadcrumbs or oats to achieve a firmer consistency.
4
Shape the mixture into meatballs, roughly 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs in the greased baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced for even cooking.
5
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. Once done, carefully drain any excess fat from the baking dish.
6
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the barbecue sauce. In a separate bowl, mix together the ketchup, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, brown sugar (starting with 1/2 cup), and liquid smoke. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.
7
Once the meatballs are ready, pour the sauce over them in the baking dish. Gently toss the meatballs to ensure they are fully coated in the sauce.
8
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
9
Serve warm, and enjoy the irresistible flavors of these sweet and smoky barbecue meatballs!
Nutrition Information
8.75g
Fat
32.5g
Carbs
17.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet and Smoky Baked Barbecue Meatballs?
These are delicious meatballs baked to a golden brown and tossed in a rich, homemade barbecue glaze that balances sweetness with a smoky undertone.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
You should use a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
How should I prepare the baking dish?
Grease the dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
What kind of meat is used in these meatballs?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of lean ground beef.
Can I use oats instead of breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can use 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs or quick-cooking oats.
What should I do if the meatball mixture is too loose?
If the mixture appears too loose, add extra breadcrumbs or oats until you achieve a firmer consistency.
How big should the meatballs be?
The meatballs should be shaped to roughly 1.5 inches in diameter.
How long is the initial baking time for the meatballs?
Bake the meatballs for approximately 20 minutes until they are browned and cooked through.
Do I need to drain the fat from the meatballs?
Yes, once the meatballs are browned, carefully drain any excess fat from the baking dish before adding the sauce.
What ingredients are in the homemade barbecue sauce?
The sauce consists of ketchup, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, brown sugar, and liquid smoke.
How much ketchup is used in the sauce?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of ketchup.
What provides the smoky flavor in this recipe?
The smoky flavor comes from 2 teaspoons of liquid smoke seasoning.
How much brown sugar should I use?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of brown sugar, but you can start with 1/2 cup and adjust to your taste.
Can I make these meatballs spicy?
Yes, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce to increase the heat.
What kind of chili powder is recommended?
Use a mild chili powder specifically intended for making chili.
How long do the meatballs bake after the sauce is added?
Bake them uncovered for an additional 45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Should the dish be covered in the oven?
No, the dish should remain uncovered during the final 45-minute baking period.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 262.5 calories.
How much protein is in a serving of these meatballs?
There are 17.5g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 8.75g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 32.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of milk can be used for the meatballs?
You can use either regular milk or evaporated milk.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients used in this recipe.
How should the meatballs be arranged in the dish?
Ensure they are evenly spaced for even cooking.
What are some good ways to serve these meatballs?
They are perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or as an appetizer.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends using fresh minced garlic.
What seasonings are used in the meat mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with seasoning salt, chili powder, and black pepper.
Is the onion used in the meat or the sauce?
The finely chopped onion is used specifically in the barbecue sauce.
Should the meatballs be served warm or cold?
They should be served warm for the best flavor and texture.