Why Make This Recipe
Honey BBQ Meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that everyone loves. With their sweet and tangy flavor, these meatballs are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual dinner at home or a lively get-together with friends and family. The combination of ground beef and pork offers rich taste and texture, while the honey and barbecue sauce create a sticky glaze that will have everyone coming back for more.
How to Make Honey BBQ Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup (50 g) parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup (54 g) fine dry breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup (280 g) barbecue sauce
- 1/3 cup (113 g) honey
- 1/3 cup (106 g) grape jelly
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, beaten egg, parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- In a medium bowl, combine the milk, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, and finely chopped onion. Add this mixture to the meat mixture, being careful not to overwork the ingredients.
- Grease your hands, and then form the mixture into meatballs of your desired size. Place the meatballs into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the meatballs in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are crisp on the outside.
- Once done, remove the meatballs from the oven and carefully discard most of the grease.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, honey, and grape jelly. Pour this sauce over the partially cooked meatballs.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the meatballs.
- Serve warm, and enjoy!
How to Serve Honey BBQ Meatballs
You can serve Honey BBQ Meatballs as a main dish or an appetizer. They go well with rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. For parties, you can keep them in a slow cooker to keep warm and let guests serve themselves.
How to Store Honey BBQ Meatballs
If you have leftovers, let the meatballs cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make Honey BBQ Meatballs
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, especially when it comes to garlic and parsley.
- Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey and grape jelly to the sauce.
Variation
You can customize these meatballs by adding different spices or herbs, such as smoked paprika or Italian seasoning. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
FAQs
1. Can I use only ground beef or ground pork?
Yes, you can use just one type of meat if you prefer. Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives too.
2. How can I make these meatballs spicier?
Add some crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meat mixture or the barbecue sauce for a spicy kick.
3. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator or freezer before baking. Just follow the baking instructions when you are ready to cook them.
Honey BBQ Meatballs
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, beaten egg, parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- In a medium bowl, combine the milk, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, and finely chopped onion. Add this mixture to the meat mixture, being careful not to overwork the ingredients.
- Grease your hands, and then form the mixture into meatballs of your desired size. Place the meatballs into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the meatballs in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are crisp on the outside.
- Once done, remove the meatballs from the oven and carefully discard most of the grease.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, honey, and grape jelly. Pour this sauce over the partially cooked meatballs.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the meatballs.
- Serve warm, and enjoy!