Honey BBQ Meatballs

Hey there! I’m so excited to share my Honey BBQ Meatballs recipe with you. These meatballs are sweet, tangy, and smoky—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser1. You can serve them as an appetizer or pile them on a bun for a tasty sandwich1.I got the idea for these meatballs from my homemade Cherry BBQ sauce. It was so delicious that I wanted to use it on everything1!Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2-4 hours
• Serving Size: 8 servings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tasty: Honey and BBQ are a match made in heaven, and who doesn’t love meatballs1!
• Easy: Just mix a few ingredients, cook the meatballs, and top with a simple 3-ingredient sauce1.
• Versatile: These meatballs make a great appetizer, but they’re also delicious as a meatball sandwich1!

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make these tasty meatballs:Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef12
• ½ pound ground pork1
• ½ cup bread crumbs1
• 1 teaspoon dried minced onion1
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated12
• 1 egg13
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed12
• ½ teaspoon salt13

For Frying:

• 2 Tablespoons oil (approximate)1

Sauce:

• ½ cup honey13
• ½ cup BBQ sauce13
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (optional)1

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Combine all meatball ingredients in a bowl until well mixed. Form the mixture into meatballs1.
2. Heat a thin layer of oil in a large frying pan. Add meatballs and cook until browned on one side, about 4-5 minutes. Loosen meatballs if needed, then turn them over. Cover and continue turning and heating until cooked through, about 5 more minutes. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness1.
3. Remove meatballs from the pan and keep warm. Drain all but a tablespoon or two of fat from the pan. Add the honey to the pan and let it liquify, scraping up any loose bits of crisp meat1.
4. When the honey is bubbly, combine the smoked paprika (if using) and BBQ sauce, then add to the pan. Stir until the sauce is blended. Add the meatballs back to the pan1.
5. Serve warm1.

Serving Suggestions

Honey BBQ Meatballs are perfect as a bite-sized appetizer1. Serve them in the cooking pan or in a bowl with toothpicks on the side. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions for a nice presentation1. For a low-waste option, serve on a plate with a pretzel stick inserted into each meatball1.Meatballs are versatile and great for parties, picnics, or game day1!You can also serve these meatballs on a roll as a sandwich. Use hamburger or hot dog/hoagie-style rolls. Slider buns are great for smaller portions1.Consider topping your sandwich with a dollop of coleslaw for added flavor and nutrition. Serve extra BBQ sauce on the side for those who like a saucier sandwich1.

Tips for Customization

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a little heat5.
• Use different meats: Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork1.
• Add garlic: Mix minced garlic into the meatball mixture for extra flavor12.

FAQs

Can I make these in a crockpot?Yes, you can! Just mix the sauce ingredients and pour them over the meatballs in a crockpot. Cook on low for 2-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours35.

Can I freeze these meatballs?Absolutely! Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months3.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?No problem! You can omit it or use regular paprika instead1.Enjoy these Honey BBQ Meatballs. Let me know how they turn out for you!