These BBQ meatballs are the perfect party appetizer or weeknight dinner. They're made with a combination of ground beef and pork, flavored with onion, garlic, and spices, and coated in a tangy and sweet homemade BBQ sauce. Serve them with toothpicks as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or over rice as a main dish. These meatballs are easy to make and always a hit!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and nicely browned.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the BBQ sauce. In a saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, molasses, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the BBQ sauce over them. Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce until they are evenly coated.
- Serve the BBQ meatballs hot as an appetizer with toothpicks or as a main dish over rice or mashed potatoes.
- Enjoy!
