Ingredients
1 lb (450g) Ground beef (80% lean)
½ cup Plain breadcrumbs
¼ cup Milk
1 large Egg
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Garlic powder
1 tsp Onion powder
½ tsp Smoked paprika
½ tsp Salt
¼ tsp Black pepper
1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (your favorite)
1 tbsp Honey (optional, for extra glaze)
Instructions
1. Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Soak: Mix breadcrumbs and milk in a small bowl; let sit for 2 minutes.
3. Mix: Add ground beef, egg, Worcestershire, spices, salt, and pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix gently until just combined.
4. Shape: Portion into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet.
5. Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
6. Glaze: Simmer BBQ sauce and honey in a saucepan. Add baked meatballs and toss until well-coated and warmed through.
Notes
Pro-Tips:
• Avoid overmixing the ground beef; handle the mixture gently so the meatballs stay tender instead of becoming tough.
• Chill formed meatballs for 15 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
• Baste the meatballs halfway through the simmering process to ensure every side is glossy and flavorful.
Variations:
• Turkey Meatballs: Substitute ground turkey, adding 1 tbsp olive oil to the mix to keep them moist.
• Cheesy: Stuff each meatball with a small cube of cheddar or mozzarella before baking.
• Asian-Style: Swap BBQ sauce for a ginger-hoisin glaze and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner/Appetizer
- Method: Bake & Simmer
- Cuisine: American