Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy meatballs glazed with a rich, tangy barbecue sauce that'll make your taste buds dance with joy! These American-style barbecue meatballs are not just a meal; they're a flavor explosion that will transform your dinner from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're hosting a family gathering, game night, or simply craving a delicious comfort food, these meatballs are guaranteed to become an instant crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, egg, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Gently form the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately 1-
- 5 inches in diameter. Aim to create about 18-24 meatballs depending on size preference.
- Preheat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Lightly spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the meatballs into the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally to brown evenly on all sides.
- Once meatballs are browned and have a nice exterior crust, reduce heat to medium-low and pour barbecue sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Cover the skillet and simmer for 10-12 minutes, occasionally spooning sauce over the meatballs to ensure even coating and thorough cooking.
- Check internal temperature of meatballs reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are fully cooked. Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired, and accompanied by rice, mashed potatoes, or your preferred side dish.
Tips
- Use fresh breadcrumbs for a more tender texture and better moisture retention in your meatballs.
- Don't overmix the meat mixture - this can make the meatballs tough. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach the safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- For extra flavor, try using a homemade or artisan barbecue sauce instead of store-bought.
- If you prefer, you can bake these meatballs in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes instead of pan-cooking.
- Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after cooking to help them retain their juices.
- For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 244kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 60mg
