Quick And Easy Barbecue Meatballs
Juicy, flavorful barbecue meatballs made with lean beef and coated in a sweet and tangy ketchup-based sauce, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine lean hamburger, pet milk, chopped onion, quick cook oatmeal, beaten eggs, garlic powder, pepper, salt, and chili powder. Mix well.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine ketchup and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened.
- Once meatballs are baked, add them to the sauce and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the lean hamburger. If you don’t have pet milk, regular milk or a dairy-free alternative will work. To save time, consider using pre-made barbecue sauce instead of making your own. Ensure the meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
These barbecue meatballs are delicious served with classic sides like coleslaw or cornbread. They also pair beautifully with Hearth Bread for a satisfying meal. For an easy appetizer, serve them on toothpicks at parties. Consider adding a fresh salad for a lighter option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meatballs in a saucepan over low heat with some sauce, stirring occasionally until heated through, or microwave in short intervals until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick And Easy Barbecue Meatballs contains roughly 792 calories, with 28g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (55% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), and iron (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2468mg per serving (107% 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 use frozen meatballs instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs to save time. Just cook them according to the package instructions before adding them to the sauce for the final simmer. This will help infuse the flavors without compromising on taste.
What can I serve with barbecue meatballs?
Barbecue meatballs pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with baked beans, mac and cheese, or a fresh garden salad. They can also be enjoyed in a sub sandwich for a hearty lunch.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to the barbecue meatballs, consider increasing the chili powder or adding diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. You can also use a spicy barbecue sauce for serving.
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).