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    Home > Appetizers and Beverages > BBQ Meatballs Recipe, Pot Luck Perfect

    BBQ Meatballs Recipe, Pot Luck Perfect

    Published: Dec 28, 2020 · Modified: Sep 12, 2023 by Lea Ann Brown · This post may contain affiliate links

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    BBQ meatballs recipe

    Sweet and Smoky, this BBQ Meatballs recipe is a dream come true. It makes a large batch, perfect to feed that party crowd. Baked in the oven and slathered with the best bbq meatball sauce you’ll find. BBQ Meatballs are Pot-luck perfect.

    homemade oven baked meatballs in bbq sauce displayed on a plate.

    This recipe was first published in October of 2014 and updated December, 2020 with new photos.

    I’m very excited to share this BBQ Meatballs Recipe with you, as I suppose I’ve had it all my life. I remember my mom making this very early in my youth.

    It’s truly our favorite meatball recipe of all times and the best bbq meatball sauce you’ll find. It’s a crowd pleaser.

    It feeds a crowd and is baked in the oven on baking sheets with BBQ sauce poured over to caramelize into a sticky flavorful glaze.

    The best part about this BBQ Meatballs recipe is the sauce. It’s easy and it’s incredible with flavor. Simply The best bbq meatballs sauce you’ll ever taste. So good, I wonder why I ever grab a bottle of at the store.

    You’ll love the flavor combination of ketchup, brown sugar and liquid smoke. It’s my kind of BBQ flavor. A Kansas City style bbq sauce, if you will. And it’s easy.

    Last Saturday night our cul-de-sac held a pre-Winter-hibernation block party. I brought these bbq meatballs and the crockpot was empty on that return trip home. One neighbor commented that he had eaten about 20 of them.

    Don’t you love hearing comments like that about your food?  I most certainly do.

    Let’s take a look:

    Table of contents

    • Ingredients to make BBQ Meatball Sauce
    • Ingredients to Make Baked Meatballs in BBQ Sauce
    • How to make BBQ Meatballs Sauce. It’s easy.
    • FAQ’s
    • Tips for Success
    • What To Serve With BBQ Meatballs
    • Recipe for Oven BBQ Meatballs
      • If You’re A Meatball Fan, Check These Out

    Ingredients to make BBQ Meatball Sauce

    Ingredients to make sweet and smoky homemade bbq sauce

    Just 5 ingredients to an incredible smoky, sweet, sticky BBQ sauce.

    • Ketchup: And lots of it. Use 4 cups of your favorite brand.
    • Onions: Sweet or yellow onions, chopped
    • Liquid Smoke: Some barbecue snobs may turn up their noses at Liquid Smoke, but it’s a natural product made by condensing smoke from burning wood. It gives this bbq sauce just the smoky punch it needs.
    • Brown Sugar and Garlic: Brown sugar for that sweet sticky component and garlic makes everything better.

    Ingredients to Make Baked Meatballs in BBQ Sauce

    Ingredients to make BBQ meatballs with saltine crackers
    • Ground Beef: Choose an 80-20% lean ground beef for the ideal meat to fat ratio for both flavor and that “juicy” factor.
    • Onions and garlic: Diced sweet onions and diced garlic.
    • Evaporated milk: Is condensed milk where the water has been evaporated by 60%. I like using evaporated milk for meatballs, it just makes everything creamier.
    • Eggs and Saltine Crackers: The binder that brings these beautiful meatballs to their perfectly round meatball glory.
    • Seasonings: Chili Powder, salt and pepper. Choose a good quality chili powder for a guaranteed good flavor.

    Ingredient Substitutions

    Evaporated Milk: You can use cream, half and half or whole milk. I don’t like using 2% or skim milk. You need that fat for flavor and binding.

    How to make BBQ Meatballs Sauce. It’s easy.

    sweet and smoky homemade bbq sauce.

    How To Make Meatballs In The Oven:

    • Step 1 Make The BBQ Meatball Sauce: In a sauce pan, mix catsup, onion, garlic, liquid smoke, brown sugar and over medium heat, bring to a boil. Done. Turn off the burner, leave the pan on the hot burner to keep the sauce warm while you make those meatballs.
    Mixing ingredients together to make homemade BBQ Meatballs
    • Step 2 Mix the Ingredients for the meatballs: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grab your favorite large bowl and add all the ingredients for the meatballs. Important: use your hands to mix the ingredients together. A spoon or other large utensil will simply smash the ingredients together and will cause the meatballs to become too dense and mushy in texture.
    Italian meatballs ready to bake for Sriracha Meatballs appetizer
    • Step 3 Roll the meatballs: Again, use your hands. Grab a chunk of the mixed meat mixture and using the palms of your hands roll into 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter. About 15 gentle rolls will form a good solid meatball. As you roll the meatballs, place them on a sheet pan lined with foil or sprayed with non-stick spray.
    Oven baked bbq meatballs on a sheet pan

    Step 4, Cover the meatballs with bbq sauce and bake at 350 degrees for 30 – 45 minutes (depending on what size you made them). And be generous with that sauce.

    Remove the bbq meatballs to your favorite serving platter and dig in.

    FAQ’s

    What’s the best way to crush saltine crackers?

    A food processor works best. Just use the pulse feature until the crackers are fairly fine and even in size. If you don’t have a food processor, place crackers in a gallon sized zip-lock bag and remove air. Use a rolling pin to crush the crackers.

    Can I make slow cooker BBQ meatballs?

    Not really, but here’s what I’ve done. Make Ahead: Bake the meatballs first. When you’re ready to serve them, scoop them into a slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs. Cook them on low for a couple of hours. This works great for making this recipe in advance and if you’re transporting them to a pot-luck.

    Why Use An 80-20 Blend Ground Beef?

    I know what you’re thinking, a leaner blend of hamburger sounds like a healthier option. However, the 80-20 blend has just the right amount of fat to make the meatballs tender and juicy.

    Tips for Success

    • Practice your knife skills and chop those onions as small as you can. If the chunks are too large, it may cause the meatballs to separate or worse, fall apart.

    Pro Tip Knife Skills: Always keep the hand that’s gripping the knife clean and dry. A wet hand could cause slips resulting in nicks or worse a nasty slice on your hand. 

    Storage

    • These bbq meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. The best way to re-heat them is to use the microwave. Using your 50% power setting, heat them in 30 second increments until nice and steamy. This recipe also freezes well. It works best if you separate the meatballs before freezing. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

    What To Serve With BBQ Meatballs

    So many wonderful comfort food options. Here are some of our favorites.

    • Traditional Southern Cole Slaw
    • Classic Old Fashioned Potato Salad
    • Or for a lighter option, serve them with a nice big tossed salad.

    Recipe for Oven BBQ Meatballs

    BBQ Meatballs recipe served on a flowered platter

    I hope you give this BBQ Meatballs Recipe a try. They’re simply perfect for entertaining and pot-lucks. This simply is a very popular recipe.

    If You’re A Meatball Fan, Check These Out

    • Homemade Baked Italian Meatballs
    • Honey Sriracha Party Meatballs
    • Buffalo Chicken Ground Chicken Meatballs
    • Mexican Meatballs with Queso
    • Authentic Swedish Meatballs Recipe

    And if you ‘re looking for more appetizer recipes, don’t miss my Appetizer Category. You’ll find lots of fun finger food ideas, including the most popular on my site for Shrimp Campechana, an authentic Mexican appetizer chock full of tomatoes, jalapeno, cucumber and more.

    And, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious recipes and cooking tips. Make it a delicious day … every day.

    If you’ve tried this or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating in the recipe card below. And write a review in the comment section. I always appreciate your feedback.

    homemade oven baked meatballs in bbq sauce

    BBQ Meatballs Recipe

    Makes a large batch, perfect to feed that party crowd. Baked in the oven and slathered with some of the best flavored homemade bbq sauce you'll find. Pot-luck perfect recipe.
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer Recipes
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 90 meatballs
    Calories: 93kcal
    Author: Lea Ann Brown

    Ingredients

    • 3 pounds ground beef 80-20 blend
    • 13 ounces evaporated milk *note below
    • 2 large eggs lightly beaten with a fork
    • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 2 cups saltine crackers crushed. The crackers should measure 2 cups after crushed. About 1 1/2 sleeves of saltines.
    • 1 whole onion diced
    • 1 clove garlic diced
    • 3 teaspoons chili powder
    • For the Sauce:
    • 4 cups ketchup
    • 1 large sweet onion diced
    • 2 clove garlic diced
    • 4 tablespoons Liquid smoke
    • 3 cups brown sugar firmly packed
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • BBQ Sauce Directions:
    • In a sauce pan, mix ketchup, onion, garlic, liquid smoke, brown sugar and using medium heat, bring to a boil. Turn the burner off but leave the pan on the burner to keep warm while you make the meatballs.
    • To Make The Meatballs
    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    • Mix first 9 ingredients together in a large pan. Using your hands, gently mix the ingredient until well blended.
    • Again, using your hands, form into balls about 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter.
    • Place the meatballs on two 9 x 13 baking dishes, sprayed with no-stick spray or covered in aluminum foil.
    • Cover liberally with sauce and bake for 30 – 45 minutes or until meatballs are done. (time depends on meatball size)
    • This makes around 90 meatballs.

    Video

    Notes

    *This is an old recipe. The recipe calls for 13 ounces evaporated milk. These days, cans of evaporated milk are 12 ounces. Just add an additional 2 tablespoons of milk, cream or half and half to make up the additional ounce of liquid.
    For Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs: Bake meatballs in over per direction. Once cooked, place them in a slow cooker and pour the sauce over the meatballs. Give them a very gentle stir to combine. Cook on low for 2 hours and the dish is steamy warm and easy to transport.
    The best way to crush saltine crackers is to use a food processor. If you don’t have a food processor, place crackers in a zip lock bag and remove air. Use a rolling pin to crush the crackers.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 93kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 158mg | Potassium: 105mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 90IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @lannisam or tag #CookingOnTheRanch!

    BBQ Meatballs …They’re What’s for a Pot Luck.

    Lea Ann Brown
    Lea Ann Brown

    Why Trust These Recipes? Lea Ann Brown has lived, worked and played in Colorado for 45 years. She has immersed herself in the Colorado Culinary space, is a Culinary School Graduate and publishes her Colorado food Blog, Cooking On The Ranch.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Paul says

      June 12, 2023 at 8:38 pm

      5 stars
      I made these yesterday and they are 2 thumbs up tasty. I served them with chicken fried rice and a 24 of dark beer. My friends wanted to add their thumbs up as well.
      Thanks, Pauly

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        June 14, 2023 at 6:05 am

        Hi Paul. I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe. It’s one of our favorites. And thanks for taking the time to write a review and send it over. Make it a delicious day. Lea Ann

        Reply
    2. Katherine Dietz says

      January 01, 2023 at 6:26 am

      Is the sweet onion in the recipe a Vidalia onion?
      Also what brand name of chili powder do you use?
      Thanks for another great recipe!
      Katherine

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        January 02, 2023 at 8:47 am

        Hi Katherine

        I’m not sure if the sweet onion is technically a Vidalia. The onions labeled as sweet onions right now are squatty in appearance like a vidalia and are labeled as sweet.

        The brand of chili powder I buy “Original Mexene Chili Powder Seasoning” I find it at King Soopers.

        Let me know if you have any other questions. Happy New Year.

        Reply
    3. Katherine A Dietz says

      July 03, 2022 at 10:31 am

      Hi just a few questions: 80/20 in ground beef or can I use ground chuck from the deli? Light or dark brown sugar? Hickory or Mesquite liquid smoke? Thanks,
      Katherine

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        July 03, 2022 at 10:42 am

        5 stars
        Good questions. I didn’t realize they made more than one flavor of liquid smoke, good to know.

        I have Hickory in my fridge, but I’m sure both would work well.

        I’ve made these meatballs so many times over the years and am sure I’ve used about every mix of beef available. I always buy whats on sale. With that said, yes, the chuck would work well. There’s so many added ingredients, I don’t think the grade matters much.

        Either dark or light brown sugar will work. I usually have light brown sugar on hand.

        Let me know if you have any other questions.

        Reply
    4. Kristin Lowman says

      May 20, 2022 at 7:25 pm

      5 stars
      Do you have any tips for making my meatballs in advance and refrigerating overnight? Or is there any reason not to do this? I have several dishes to cook for a party and would like to do a few things the night before. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        May 24, 2022 at 6:51 am

        Thanks so much for your note. Good questions and I need to add the instructions for advance presentation to this post.

        I’ve done this many times and for the same reasons as you. I need to make a few things in advance for entertaining.

        You can prepare and form the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator on a baking sheet. Also prepare the sauce in advance and store separately in the fridge.

        Proceed with the recipe once you’re ready to bake and serve. I hope that answers your question.

        And let me know if you have any other questions.

        Reply
    5. Charlene says

      March 28, 2022 at 9:25 am

      3 cups of brown sugar … that is a lot. I notice one person said she likes them better than dessert so they must be very sweet Can the brown sugar be cut back to 1 cup and would the sauce still be good as an appetizer. I do not like that much sugar in anything except desserts Just asking. My hubby is diabetic

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        March 30, 2022 at 6:37 am

        This meatball sauce recipe makes a large amount. I think you’d be fine cutting back the brown sugar. However, you may have to add more catsup to make enough to cover the meatballs.

        Let me know how it turns out please. Thanks for your note.

        Reply
    6. Karen (Back Road Journal) says

      December 30, 2020 at 2:34 pm

      The old recipes like yours are worth bringing back. I haven’t had these in years and I always loved them.

      Reply
    7. Larry says

      December 29, 2020 at 6:23 am

      The recipes for the meatballs and the sauce both look simple and delicious.

      Reply
    8. Dennis Yannakos says

      December 29, 2020 at 4:51 am

      5 stars
      The food looks scrumptious!
      Best Kitchen Utensils

      Reply
    9. Chris says

      October 30, 2014 at 7:17 pm

      Those do sound superb, Lea Ann. I never get tired of these and when everyone else at the party is turning to desserts, I find myself fishing the last of the meatballs out of the sauce as my dessert.

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        November 01, 2014 at 6:26 am

        I’d be right there with you.

        Reply
    10. Kate says

      October 26, 2014 at 9:16 am

      BBQ is always great….I have never tried BBQ meatballs, am going to do it soon. Sounds as though you have a lovely group of neighbors!

      Reply
      • Lea Ann Brown says

        October 27, 2014 at 5:40 am

        Thanks Kate.

        Reply
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    I'm Lea Ann, Welcome to my Colorado kitchen. I'm a Culinary School Grad with a passion to inspire you to cook as often as you can. Here you'll find Wild West Colorado inspired recipes along some Southwestern and Mexican food favorites. I also share some special recipes from school along pro cooking tips. If you're an adventurous cook looking to spice up your meal plans, you'll find plenty of reliable, approachable, easy to follow recipes.

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