Are you ready to elevate your next gathering with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress? Say hello to BBQ Meatballs and Smokies! This mouthwatering recipe combines juicy, homemade meatballs with deliciously smoky sausages, all drenched in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce that will have your guests coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy family dinner, this dish is not just easy to make but also packs a punch of flavor that will leave everyone raving. Dive into this recipe and discover how to create a crowd-pleaser that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 lb smokies
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (for cooking)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your meatballs cook evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce. Use your hands or a spatula to mix the ingredients until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Once the mixture is well combined, shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should be able to make approximately 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size you choose.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking. Make sure to leave some space between each meatball for even cooking.
- In a separate bowl, combine the 1 cup of BBQ sauce with the smokies. Stir to coat the smokies evenly with the sauce.
- After the meatballs have been placed on the baking sheet, bake them in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare a large oven-safe dish or skillet for the smokies. Pour the BBQ-coated smokies into the dish, spreading them out evenly.
- Once the meatballs have cooked for 15 minutes, remove them from the oven and add them to the dish with the smokies. Gently stir to combine the meatballs and smokies in the BBQ sauce.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and ensure that everything is heated through.
- After 10 minutes, check to see if the meatballs and smokies are heated through and the sauce is bubbling. If so, remove the dish from the oven.
- Let the BBQ meatballs and smokies sit for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors settle and make them easier to serve.
- Serve the BBQ meatballs and smokies warm, either as an appetizer or as a main dish. Enjoy with additional BBQ sauce on the side if desired.
Tips
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, so be gentle!
- Uniform Size: Aim for meatballs that are about 1 inch in diameter to ensure even cooking. Using a cookie scoop can help you achieve consistent sizes.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
- Let Them Rest: Allow the meatballs and smokies to sit for a few minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.
- Customize Your BBQ Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces to match your taste preferences—spicy, sweet, or smoky!
- Serve with Extras: Enhance your dish by serving it with additional BBQ sauce on the side, or pair it with coleslaw or cornbread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 347kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 98mg
