Auntie'S Barbecue Meatballs

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: American

A hearty and flavorful meatball dish featuring savory hamburger mixed with oats and spices, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 lb. hamburger
  • 1 (13 oz.) can evaporated milk
  • 2 c. quick oats
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 c. chopped onions
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 2 tsp. salt
  • 2 tsp. chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper

Instructions

  1. Mix the hamburger, evaporated milk, quick oats, eggs, chopped onions, garlic powder, salt, chili powder, and pepper until well combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into large meatballs.
  3. Place the meatballs in a flat pan, one layer deep.

Tips & Substitutions

For a twist, consider adding finely chopped bell peppers or grated carrots to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition. If you're short on time, you can substitute the quick oats with breadcrumbs. Make sure to avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender. To enhance the taste, try incorporating some Worcestershire sauce or adding spices from your favorite American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Auntie's barbecue meatballs over a bed of rice or alongside Party Time Potato Slices for a satisfying meal. They also pair well with a side salad or steamed vegetables. For a fun twist, consider glazing the meatballs with your favorite barbecue sauce or serving them with toothpicks for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish with a splash of broth or sauce, cover with foil, and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. They can also be microwaved in short intervals.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Auntie'S Barbecue Meatballs contains roughly 1232 calories, with 44g protein, 238g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (419% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (128% of the Daily Value), and protein (88% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1126mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).

1232 kcal 62% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 43.8g 88% DV
Total Fat 19.4g 25% DV
Carbs 238.4g 87% DV
Fiber 35.9g 100% DV
Sugar 12.6g 25% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1126.2mg 49% DV
Potassium 3224.8mg 69% DV
Cholesterol 310.6mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 379.9mcg 42% DV
Vitamin C 376.8mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 496.9mg 38% DV
Iron 15mg 83% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the meatballs before cooking?

Yes, you can freeze the meatballs before cooking. Shape them and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be cooked from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What type of hamburger is best for this recipe?

For optimal flavor and texture, use ground beef with a fat content of around 80/20. This ratio provides enough fat to keep the meatballs moist while still allowing them to hold their shape. You could also use ground turkey for a leaner option.

Can I make these meatballs in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs a day ahead and store them raw in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. This allows the flavors to meld nicely. Just remember to adjust cooking times if they are chilled before baking.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Pork recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →