Baked Barbecued Meat Balls
Baked barbecued meatballs feature a tangy tomato-based sauce with brown sugar, vinegar, and Worcestershire, perfect for hearty family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine tomato sauce or soup with brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chopped onion, butter or oleo, vinegar, and mustard in a saucepan.
- Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes.
- Pour the sauce over meatballs arranged in a pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Serve in a chafing dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or hot sauce to the sauce mixture. If you're short on time, substitute the chopped onion with onion powder. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the meatballs. If you want a sweeter sauce, increase the brown sugar to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs in a chafing dish for gatherings, and they pair wonderfully with sides like Green Beans With Garlic or a fresh salad. You can also serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks. For a complete meal, consider serving over rice or alongside mashed potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meatballs and sauce in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them in a bowl, covered, for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Barbecued Meat Balls contains roughly 253 calories, with 1g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 10g fat.
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 make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before pouring it over the meatballs. This can save time on the day of serving and allows the flavors to meld together nicely.
What type of meat should I use for the meatballs?
You can use ground beef, pork, turkey, or chicken for the meatballs. Each type will bring a different flavor profile, so choose according to your preference. Ground turkey or chicken will yield a lighter meatball, while beef or pork will be richer and more robust in flavor.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Absolutely! You can freeze the meatballs either cooked or uncooked. To freeze cooked meatballs, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen. Transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen when you're ready to enjoy.
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).