BBQ Meatballs

Name: BBQ Meatballs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef ((80/20 beef fat recommended)); 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup milk; 2 eggs; 2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1 dash cayenne pepper; BBQ sauce ((as needed))

Published: Apr 7, 2025 by Fox Valley Foodie · This post may contain affiliate links

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These mouthwateringly tender BBQ meatballs are boldly seasoned and painted with a sticky barbeque sauce. Easily make these juicy meatballs with a handful of simple ingredients for a delicious dinner or a perfect party appetizer!

The best BBQ meatballs are boldly seasoned with a BBQ dry rub. Rather than simply dusting the meatballs with seasoning, this approach infuses each bite with flavor. Additional barbeque flavor is added by coating the meatballs with a sweet and sticky BBQ sauce.

If you like these flavorful cocktail meatballs, try my BBQ meatloaf recipe too!

Ingredients and Substitutions

Lean ground beef - I recommend using 80/20 beef fat. You can also substitute ground pork.
Plain bread crumbs
Milk - Beef broth can be substituted. You could even add a splash of apple cider vinegar to increase the tangy flavor.
Large eggs
Worcestershire sauce
Brown sugar
Salt
Fresh ground black pepper
Smoked paprika - Regular paprika is fine too.
Garlic powder - You can substitute 1 minced garlic clove.
Onion powder - You can finely dice half of a yellow onion instead for added texture.
Cayenne pepper - Chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes can be substituted.
BBQ sauce - Use your favorite barbecue sauce.
Optional - Liquid smoke can be added for extra flavor.

How to make them

To make this easy BBQ meatball recipe, combine all of the meatball ingredients in a large bowl separately from the meat. This helps everything incorporate more evenly without overworking the meat when everything is combined. Then add the ground meat and mix well to combine everything.

Using a cookie scoop or large spoon, grab approximately 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll it between the palms of your hands to form a meatball about the size of a golf ball. Place the raw meatballs on a rimmed baking dish in a single layer.

Tip: Wet your hands with cold water to prevent the meat from sticking to your skin.

For a more detailed tutorial on homemade meatballs, I recommend checking out How to Make Meatballs.

Coat your meatballs in BBQ sauce then place them in a 375 degree oven for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs reach 160 degrees internally. For added texture, you can give them a quick sear over high heat prior to baking, or finish them under the broiler to caramelize the BBQ sauce. Then serve with potato salad, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles.

Crock Pot BBQ Meatballs

A lot of people cook meatballs in the crock pot for its simplicity. You can certainly add your BBQ meatballs to the crock pot, along with enough BBQ sauce to fully coat them, and they will cook just fine.

However, I think the crock pot is best used for keeping the cooked meatballs warm when serving them. Otherwise, as the meatballs cook, they are going to release fat that will just pool in the bottom of the slow cooker, which I don't find as appetizing. You also will find the texture of slow cooker BBQ meatballs isn't as good.

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

Leftover meatballs should be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to one week. They can easily be reheated in the microwave or gently warmed in a 350 degree oven.