Barbecue Hamburger Meatballs

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Juicy barbecue hamburger meatballs packed with savory flavors, served with a sweet and tangy sauce. Perfect for casual dinners and crowd-pleasing gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. ground beef
  • salt
  • pepper
  • 1 can tomato soup
  • 1/4 c. sweet pickle relish
  • 1/4 c. chopped onion
  • 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Roll ground beef into bite-sized balls.
  2. Place the meatballs in a skillet and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Brown the meatballs until cooked through and drain excess fat.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or smoked paprika to the meat mixture. If you're short on time, pre-cooked frozen meatballs can be used; just warm them in the sauce. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. To enhance the sauce, try using ketchup instead of tomato soup or add diced bell peppers for additional texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these barbecue meatballs as an appetizer with toothpicks or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. They pair well with coleslaw or corn on the cob for a complete BBQ experience. For a fun twist, try them in a sub sandwich topped with cheese. This dish is perfect for a casual gathering or as a 'Monday Night Dish'.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to prevent drying out, or microwave them in short intervals, covered, to keep them moist. For longer storage, freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Barbecue Hamburger Meatballs contains roughly 522 calories, with 6g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of iron (19% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and potassium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2052mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).

522 kcal 26% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.2g 12% DV
Total Fat 15.2g 20% DV
Carbs 81.7g 30% DV
Fiber 2.6g 9% DV
Sugar 46.2g 92% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2052.3mg 89% DV
Potassium 460.4mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 2.7mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 12.7mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 5.2mg 6% DV
Calcium 101.4mg 8% DV
Iron 3.5mg 19% DV
Diet fit Low-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 use a different type of meat for these meatballs?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork if you prefer a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the fat content of the meat you choose.

How can I make these meatballs spicier?

To add some heat, mix in red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños into the ground beef. You can also use a spicier barbecue sauce for glazing the meatballs while they cook for an extra kick.

What can I serve with barbecue meatballs?

These meatballs are delicious served with a side of mashed potatoes, baked beans, or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider pairing them with classic American recipes like Dill Pot Roast or Beef Rice to complement the flavors.

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).

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