Sticky BBQ Glazed Meatballs

There is something irresistible about a tray of meatballs coated in a thick, glossy BBQ glaze. These Sticky BBQ Glazed Meatballs are tender and juicy on the inside, while the outside is covered in a sweet, smoky, tangy sauce that clings to every bite. They are easy enough for a weeknight dinner but delicious enough to serve as a party appetizer.

The secret is allowing the meatballs to cook gently before finishing them in the glaze. As the sauce reduces, the brown sugar and BBQ sauce become wonderfully sticky, creating that shiny coating that makes these meatballs so tempting.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1/4 cup finely grated onion
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional

For the Sticky BBQ Glaze

• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• A pinch of cayenne pepper, optional

For Garnishing

• Chopped fresh parsley or green onions
• Sesame seeds, optional

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Place the ground beef in a large mixing bowl. Add the breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and parsley.

Using clean hands or a wooden spoon, gently mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Try not to overmix the meat. Mixing too aggressively can make the finished meatballs dense instead of tender.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them gently between your palms to form meatballs.

For evenly cooked meatballs, aim for approximately 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You should get around 18–24 meatballs, depending on their size.

Place the shaped meatballs on a plate or parchment-lined baking sheet while you prepare the remaining ones.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil.

Once the pan is hot, carefully add the meatballs in a single layer. Cook them for several minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on multiple sides.

They do not need to be completely cooked through at this stage because they will finish cooking in the sauce.

Alternatively, you can bake the meatballs in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 15–18 minutes, depending on their size.

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