Barbecue Sauce Meat Balls
Juicy meatballs glazed with a rich barbecue and orange marmalade sauce, perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners, offering a sweet, smoky flavor with tender bites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine egg and milk in a bowl.
- Beat well until blended.
- Stir in bread crumbs, chopped onion, ground sage, garlic powder, and ground round.
- Mix thoroughly and shape into 1-inch meatballs.
- Place meatballs in a shallow pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until browned.
- In a separate bowl, combine barbecue sauce, orange marmalade, and water.
- Drain the baked meatballs and stir them into the sauce mixture.
- Serve hot, with optional pepper to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture. If you don't have soft bread crumbs, you can use crushed crackers or stale bread instead. To make this dish healthier, try using lean turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste, and feel free to add some chopped herbs for freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these barbecue sauce meatballs as an appetizer at your next gathering, or pair them with rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty main dish. They also work well as a filling for sandwiches or sliders. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side of coleslaw or a green salad to balance the richness of the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecue Sauce Meat Balls contains roughly 644 calories, with 35g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (69% of the Daily Value) and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1188mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
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 these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and bake them ahead of time. Once baked, store them in the refrigerator or freeze them. If frozen, simply thaw and reheat in the barbecue sauce when you're ready to serve.
What can I use instead of orange marmalade?
If you don't have orange marmalade, you can substitute it with apricot preserves or any fruity jam. This will still provide a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the barbecue sauce.
Are these meatballs suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! These meatballs freeze well. After baking, let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat in the sauce for a delicious meal.
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).