BBQ meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, offering a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavor. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or celebrating a special occasion, these flavorful bites will be a hit!
Delicious BBQ Meatballs: A Perfect Game Day Appetizer
On game day, for holiday gatherings, or for family dinners, having a crowd-pleasing appetizer is essential. These BBQ meatballs are not only easy to prepare, but they also pack a punch of flavor that your guests will love. For convenience, you can make them ahead of time and simply reheat before serving.
A Twist on a Classic
This recipe is a modern rendition of multiple older meatball recipes. By incorporating crushed Rice Chex mix instead of traditional breadcrumbs, you’ll find that these meatballs have a delightful crunch. This small change not only enhances the texture but also makes the dish gluten-free, opening the door for more guests to enjoy!
Mixing It Up
To start, break the ground sirloin into smaller pieces. This makes it easier to combine all the ingredients without overworking the meat. Remember, a gentle hand is key to keeping the meatballs tender.
Once everything is mixed, roll the meat into 25-30 (1 ½-inch) balls and lay them out in a baking dish. This step will set the stage for even cooking.
Saucing BBQ Meatballs
Next comes the sauce, which elevates the meatballs with a unique blend of flavors. The use of apple cider vinegar adds a tangy kick, contrasting with the sweetness of brown sugar and catsup. This new take on the sauce combines the best elements of vintage recipes while adding a contemporary flair.
Cooking BBQ Meatballs to Perfection
Baking is an effortless way to cook meatballs, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Bake them uncovered for about 30 minutes or until they reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F. Cooking by temperature rather than time ensures the meatballs stay moist and flavorful. Additionally, use a meat thermometer to help prevent overcooking and guarantee doneness.
Serve and Enjoy BBQ Meatballs
Finally, once the meatballs are ready, it’s time for the best part—serving them up! Whether you opt to serve them as an appetizer or a main dish, they are sure to be a hit. Just serve them warm and sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a pretty presentation. Their sweet-and-tangy sauce, combined with the savory meat, makes them irresistible.
Storing Leftover Meatballs
To store leftover meatballs, allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, thaw if frozen, then warm in the oven or microwave until heated through. This way, you can enjoy the deliciousness of your BBQ meatballs even after the party is over!
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BBQ Meatballs
Equipment
- 11×13-inch baking dish
- cooking thermometer
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground sirloin
- 1 cup Rice Chex cereal, finely crushed (takes about 2 2/3 cups cereal before crushing)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup sweet onion, minced (reserve 1 tablespoon for sauce)
BBQ Sauce
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ cup catsup
- 1 tablespoon onion, minced
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ⅛ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pinch salt
- a few drops of hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
Meatballs
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Reserve 1 tablespoon of minced onion for the sauce. Then mix all the meatball ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl. Either by hand or with a meatballer, roll the meat mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them in an 11 x 13-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray.
BBQ Sauce
- Whisk together all of the sauce ingredients until well mixed. Pour it over the meatballs.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until the meatballs are 160°F inside.