Best Easy Barbecue Meatballs Recipe

Sweet and tangy barbecue meatballs are an easy, high protein appetizer or family dinner that everyone devours. Perfect for slow cooker prep and freezer-friendly meal planning.

Cook 60 min Difficulty EASY 330 kcal
#high protein #family dinner #appetizer #slow cooker
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • ground beef (85% lean) 1 lb
  • ground pork 0.5 lb
  • breadcrumbs 0.5 cup
  • large eggs 2 pieces
  • milk 0.25 cup
  • yellow onion, finely chopped 0.5 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • barbecue sauce 1 cup
  • worcestershire sauce 1 tbsp
  • kosher salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • garlic powder 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 24 g 29%
Protein 21 g 25%
Fat 15 g 46%
Serving size 150g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup.

  2. 2

    In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix gently until just combined; do not overwork.

  3. 3

    Shape mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and arrange on the prepared baking sheet with space between for even browning.

  4. 4

    Bake meatballs for 15-20 minutes, until lightly browned and just cooked through. Meanwhile, set your slow cooker to LOW.

  5. 5

    Transfer meatballs to the slow cooker. Pour barbecue sauce and worcestershire sauce over; toss gently. Cook on LOW for 45-60 minutes to meld flavors before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Best Easy Barbecue Meatballs Recipe?
The core ingredients that define these barbecue meatballs are the blend of ground beef and ground pork, which deliver rich flavor and a juicy texture. The addition of barbecue sauce brings the signature sweet and tangy taste.
Q. How should I control heat and timing for perfect barbecue meatballs?
Begin by baking the meatballs at 400°F to achieve a browned exterior while keeping the inside moist. Then finish them in a slow cooker on LOW with barbecue sauce for 45-60 minutes, allowing flavors to meld without drying out the meat.
Q. How can I prevent the meatballs from becoming dry or falling apart?
Mix the meat gently to avoid compacting, and use milk, eggs, and breadcrumbs as binders. Baking before slow cooking seals in juices, while finishing in barbecue sauce in the slow cooker keeps the meatballs tender and flavorful.
Q. How many calories and nutrients are in each serving?
Each 150g serving provides about 330 kcal with 24g carbohydrates (29% of calories), 21g protein (25%), and 15g fat (46%). This makes it a high-protein, balanced main or appetizer.
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