Grandma's BBQ Meatball Recipe
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
30 mins
-
Cook Time
1 hr 30 mins
-
Total Time
2 hrs
-
Servings
8
-
Calories
652 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
American
Grandma's BBQ Meatball Recipe
Description
Grandma's BBQ Meatball Recipe consists of two components: a rich BBQ sauce and savory meatballs. The BBQ sauce is crafted by sautéing onion and garlic, then adding ketchup diluted with water, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, molasses, celery salt, and black pepper, simmered to develop depth and reduce slightly.
The meatballs are made by blending evaporated milk, seasoned breadcrumbs, minced onion and garlic, some BBQ sauce, eggs, salt, and pepper, then folding in ground beef and pork. Baking the meatballs on a prepared sheet helps them cook evenly, while the integrated BBQ sauce infuses moisture and flavor.
These meatballs offer a balance of tender texture from the milk and breadcrumbs and a complex BBQ taste from the homemade sauce. They can function well as a main dish or party appetizer.
Ingredients
BBQ Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion minced, medium sweet
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 32 ounces ketchup (4 cups)
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon celery salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper ground
Meatballs
- 5 ounces evaporated milk
- 3/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/2 onion minced, medium sweet
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons BBQ sauce that you are currently making
- 2 egg lightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt coarse
- 1 pound ground beef 15/85 mix
- 1 pound ground pork
Instructions
BBQ Sauce:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and then add the onion and saute for 3 minutes, or until soft. Add the garlic, sauteing for another 1 minute and stirring to prevent burning.
- Stir in the ketchup and then fill the ketchup bottle halfway with water (it doesn't have to be exact). Shake it well to release any ketchup sticking to the sides of the bottle. Pour the water into the pot and stir.
- Stir in the brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, molasses, celery salt and pepper. Continue to simmer uncovered over medium-low heat, uncovered so the BBQ sauce can reduce.
Meatballs:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil (lightly coated with cooking spray) or parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the evaporated milk, bread crumbs, onion, garlic, BBQ sauce, eggs, black pepper and salt. Stir well.
- Break the ground beef and pork into small pieces as you add it to the mixture. Toss with clean heads (or wear gloves) until blended. Do not overmix.
- Form meatballs into 2-3 inch large meatballs or 1 inch small meatballs and place onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on size.
- Remove and transfer directly to sauce, discarding any grease that came off the meatballs.
- Continue to cook uncovered at a low simmer for 60-90 minutes, or until sauce has reduced by a fourth.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice or couscous.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings!
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 652 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 652kcal | 33% |
| Carbohydrates | 77g | 26% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 28g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 127mg | 42% |
| Sodium | 2608mg | 109% |
| Potassium | 980mg | 21% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 60g | 120% |
| Vitamin A | 724IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 172mg | 17% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
