Get ready to transform your ordinary meatball game into a mouthwatering BBQ experience that will have everyone begging for seconds! These Kansas City-style BBQ meatballs are not just another appetizer - they're a culinary journey through smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that will make your taste buds dance with excitement. Whether you're hosting a game day party, family dinner, or just craving something incredibly delicious, these meatballs are guaranteed to be the star of the show.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 20-25 meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Using clean hands, form the meat mixture into uniform round meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. This should yield about 20-25 meatballs depending on size.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other to allow even cooking.
- In a separate small bowl, prepare the BBQ glaze by mixing remaining ketchup, brown sugar, and an additional pinch of smoked paprika until smooth.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the meatballs generously with the prepared BBQ glaze, rotating the pan to ensure even coating.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve hot as an appetizer or main course.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality ground beef with a moderate fat content (80/20) to ensure juicy, flavorful meatballs.
- Mix ingredients gently to avoid tough meatballs - overmixing can make them dense and chewy.
- Use a cookie scoop or wet hands to create uniform meatball sizes for even cooking.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety and perfect doneness.
- Let meatballs rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, keeping them moist and tender.
- For a more caramelized glaze, broil the meatballs for 1-2 minutes after brushing with BBQ sauce.
- These meatballs can be made ahead and reheated, making them perfect for meal prep or parties.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
