Tailgate BBQ Beef Meatballs (Print Version)
Flavorful beef meatballs, coated in a tangy BBQ glaze. Perfect for game day snacking or a delightful crowd-pleaser.
# What You Need:
→ Meatballs
01 - 1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
02 - ½ cup breadcrumbs
03 - 1 large egg
04 - ¼ cup whole milk
05 - ¼ cup finely chopped onion
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
09 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
10 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
→ BBQ Glaze
12 - 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
13 - 2 tablespoons honey
14 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease the surface.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix the ingredients.
03 - Using damp hands to prevent sticking, shape the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes, or until they are visibly browned and appear nearly cooked through.
05 - While the meatballs bake, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the glaze is warm and slightly thickened, which typically takes about 5 minutes.
06 - Carefully remove the meatballs from the oven. Using tongs or a spoon, transfer them directly into the saucepan with the prepared BBQ glaze. Gently toss the meatballs until they are thoroughly coated.
07 - Return the glazed meatballs to the baking sheet. Continue baking for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the meatballs are fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Serve hot, with extra sauce for dipping if desired.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- They're incredibly juicy and packed with flavor, making every bite an absolute delight.
- This recipe is surprisingly easy to whip up, yet it always impresses a crowd, feeling like a secret weapon for any gathering.
02 -
- Overmixing your meatball mixture is the quickest way to end up with tough, rubbery meatballs; always mix just until everything is combined.
- Using a good quality BBQ sauce you genuinely love makes all the difference; it's not just a coating, it's a flavor backbone!
03 -
- To ensure your meatballs are perfectly cooked and safe, invest in an instant-read thermometer; it takes all the guesswork out of baking.
- For extra rich flavor, try browning the meatballs quickly in a pan before baking and glazing, it adds another layer of delicious caramelized crust.