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Flavorful Mini BBQ Meatballs Recipe with Sweet Tangy Glaze Easy

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These mini BBQ meatballs are quick and easy to make, featuring a sweet and tangy glaze that perfectly balances smoky flavors. Perfect for parties or quick weeknight meals, they are bite-sized and packed with bold taste.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80% lean for juiciness)
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) breadcrumbs (preferably panko for light texture)
  • 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk (or dairy-free milk alternative)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended)
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, parsley, beaten egg, minced garlic, milk, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Shape the mixture into mini meatballs about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, yielding roughly 30 meatballs.
  4. Place the meatballs evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet or on a wire rack over the sheet for better air circulation.
  5. Bake for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through, until meatballs are cooked through and browned. Internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
  6. While baking, prepare the glaze by combining BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
  7. Transfer cooked meatballs to a skillet with the glaze and toss gently over low heat for 2-3 minutes to coat evenly.
  8. Serve immediately, optionally covering loosely with foil to keep warm.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat mixture to avoid tough meatballs. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Flip meatballs halfway through baking for even browning. If glaze thickens too much, add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce. Avoid overcrowding the pan when glazing to get a perfect sticky coating. For a smoky chipotle twist, add chipotle powder to meat and swap honey for maple syrup in glaze. Pan-frying before baking can add a nice crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: mini BBQ meatballs, sweet tangy glaze, quick meatballs, party appetizers, easy meatball recipe, BBQ sauce meatballs

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