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Easy Tender BBQ Meatballs

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A quick and easy recipe for tender, flavorful BBQ meatballs ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for last-minute dinners or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (about 60 grams)
  • ¼ cup milk (60 ml)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (240 ml), your favorite brand
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for extra smoky flavor

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup breadcrumbs and ¼ cup milk. Let soak for 5 minutes until soft.
  2. In a large bowl, add ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Roll mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch balls, about 16 meatballs. Place on a plate or baking sheet.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  5. Pour BBQ sauce over meatballs in skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, turning occasionally.
  6. Check meatballs are cooked through with no pink inside (internal temperature 160°F/71°C). Sauce should thicken slightly.
  7. Remove from heat, garnish with parsley or green onions if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to keep meatballs tender. Soaking breadcrumbs in milk is essential for moisture. Brown meatballs before simmering to lock in flavor. Simmer on low heat to avoid drying out. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or apple juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ meatballs, quick dinner, easy meatballs, tender meatballs, ground beef recipe, BBQ sauce, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/easy-tender-bbq-meatballs-recipe-perfect-for-quick-25-minute-meals/