Description
Mouthwatering BBQ Meatballs simmered in a tangy sauce bring comfort and flavor to your dinner table. Packed with robust seasonings and slow-cooked to perfection, you’ll savor every delicious bite of this hearty classic.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Base:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or pork
Binding Ingredients:
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup milk
- 1 egg
Seasoning and Herbs:
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
BBQ Sauce Base:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 0.25 cup ketchup
Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Craft a savory mixture by blending ground meat with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing vessel until thoroughly incorporated.
- Form compact spherical morsels approximately one inch in diameter, arranging them carefully on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Optional: Enhance flavor development by searing meatballs in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat until exterior achieves a golden-brown caramelization.
- Construct a robust BBQ sauce by whisking together barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and homogeneous.
- Transfer meatballs into slow cooker and generously coat with prepared sauce, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Configure slow cooker to low temperature (4-6 hours) or high temperature (2-3 hours), allowing meatballs to simmer and absorb rich, tangy flavors until fully cooked and exceptionally tender.
- Upon completion, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or sliced green onions for vibrant visual appeal.
- Present as elegant appetizers using toothpicks or alongside complementary accompaniments like creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or roasted seasonal vegetables.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that cuts down on fat content while maintaining delicious flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the BBQ sauce mixture for those craving a subtle spicy kick without overwhelming heat.
- Freeze uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag for quick future meal preparation, extending meal planning convenience.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to transform this recipe into a gluten-sensitive friendly dish without compromising texture or taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 85mg