Sweet BBQ Meatloaf Meatballs
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Transforming traditional meatloaf into convenient meatballs is a genius way to enjoy all the flavors in less time. This recipe for Sweet BBQ Meatloaf Meatballs does just that, offering a quick and delicious alternative.
Start by shaping a simple meatloaf mixture into meatballs and arranging them on a baking sheet. Bake them in the oven until they’re nearly cooked through. Then, coat them with a sweet and tangy meatloaf sauce, letting them bake for a few more minutes until they’re perfectly saucy.
In just 30 minutes, you’ll have flavorful, juicy meatballs ready to serve. This is about half the time it takes to make a traditional meatloaf! Plus, the bite-sized shape is always a hit with the kids, making dinner time fun and easy.
These Sweet BBQ Meatloaf Meatballs are not only quick and simple to prepare, but they also bring a new twist to a classic comfort food. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a fun party appetizer, these meatballs pack all the deliciousness of meatloaf into a convenient, kid-friendly form.
Ingredients for Sweet BBQ Meatloaf Meatballs
- ONION
- SALTINE CRACKERS
- LEAN GROUND BEEF
- EGGS
- SALT AND PEPPER
- HONEY MUSTARD
- KETCHUP
- WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE
- BBQ SAUCE (I USE SWEET BABY RAYS)
- BROWN SUGAR
Instructions for Meatloaf BBQ Meatballs
Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped onion, crushed saltine crackers, eggs, honey, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.
Use a cookie scoop or your hands to shape the meat mixture into uniform meatballs.
Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the meatballs from sticking to the foil during baking.
Place the shaped meatballs on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they have enough space between them.
Bake the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until they are nearly cooked through and browned on the outside.
Prepare the Sweet BBQ Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, BBQ sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well until the ingredients combine fully, creating a sweet and tangy sauce.
Sauce the Meatballs: Once the meatballs bake, remove them from the oven. Spoon a small amount of the prepared sweet BBQ sauce over each meatball, ensuring they are well coated.
Return the meatballs to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning, as the sauce contains a lot of sugar.
Serve:
Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. You will end up with 48 little bites of meatloaf for your family to enjoy. These meatballs are perfect for a quick dinner, appetizer, or party snack. The combination of the flavorful meat mixture and the sticky sweet sauce is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Each type of meat will offer a slightly different flavor and texture, but all will work well in this recipe.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and shape the meatballs ahead of time, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months; just thaw them before baking.
Can I use a different type of cracker or breadcrumb?
Yes, you can substitute saltine crackers with other types of crackers or breadcrumbs, such as panko or regular breadcrumbs. This can slightly alter the texture, but it will still be delicious.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). They should be fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Meatloaf Sandwiches
- Easy Stuffing Mix Meatloaf
- Instant Pot Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes
- Smoked BBQ Meatloaf
Sweet BBQ Meatloaf Meatballs
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1 ½ sleeves saltine crackers crushed well
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 3 eggs
- salt and pepper
- 3 Tbsp honey mustard
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¾ cup bbq sauce I use Sweet Baby Rays
- 1 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Now for the onion, I finely chop mine in my mini food processor. In a large bowl, combine the onion, cracker crumbs, ground beef, eggs, salt and pepper, honey mustard, 1/2 cup ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Line 2 large sheets with foil and spray it with non-stick cooking spray. Roll the mixture into 2 inch balls. I use my cookie scoop to portion them out and roll them in my hands to even them out.
- Bake them in the oven at 400 for 25 minutes.
- In the meantime, combine the sauce ingredients together in a bowl. Once the meatballs have cooked drizzle about 2 teaspoons of sauce over each one. Pop them back in the oven for 5 minutes or so to allow the sauce to heat through and get caramelized on the meatballs. Makes 48-56 meatballs.
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from Jamie Cooks It Up.
