Barbecued Meatballs(Appetizer)
Juicy, flavorful meatballs with melted cheese, perfect as an appetizer or party snack, featuring a savory barbecue-inspired sauce that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 3/4 c. fine dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 3/4 c. minced onions, divided ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. minced green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 4 oz. Cheddar cheese, cut into 36 (1/4-inch) cubes ⓘ
- 1 c. catsup ⓘ
- 3/4 c. water ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. each: sugar, salt, chili powder, paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, beaten eggs, bread crumbs, 1/4 cup minced onions, green pepper, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Stir well to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Press one cube of cheddar cheese into the center of each meatball.
- Cook the meatballs in a large skillet over medium heat until browned on all sides.
- Drain well and set the meatballs aside.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. If you want to reduce the fat content, you can substitute half the ground meat with finely chopped mushrooms or beans. To keep the meatballs moist, avoid overmixing the ingredients. You can also use pre-shredded cheese if you prefer convenience. For a spicy kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These barbecued meatballs make a fantastic appetizer for parties or game days. Serve them with toothpicks for easy eating and pair them with a tangy dipping sauce such as ranch or blue cheese. They also pair beautifully with Quick Pigs In A Blanket for a fun and filling spread. Serve with a side of coleslaw or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to create steam, and cover until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them on a plate covered with a damp paper towel for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecued Meatballs(Appetizer) contains roughly 79 calories, with 2g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 3g 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 these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them before cooking. Just shape them and store them in an airtight container. When ready to serve, cook them straight from the fridge or allow them to come to room temperature before cooking for even results.
What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?
If you want to switch up the cheese, mozzarella or pepper jack can be great alternatives. Mozzarella will give a nice stretchy texture, while pepper jack adds a bit of heat. Feel free to experiment with any cheese that melts well.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
To ensure the meatballs are fully cooked, check that they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. You can also cut one open; the meat should be no longer pink in the center, and the juices should run clear.
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).