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Oven baked BBQ meatballs coated in sticky barbecue sauce served in a white bowl
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🧾 Oven Baked BBQ Meatballs – Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Cuisine: American
Method: Oven-Baked

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) ground beef, pork, turkey, or a mix
1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
1 large egg
¼ cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ to ¾ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a large bowl, add the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix gently until just combined—do not overmix.
Roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1½ inches in diameter.
Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until fully cooked and lightly browned.
Remove from the oven, brush generously with BBQ sauce, then return to the oven for 5–7 minutes until the sauce is sticky and caramelized.
Remove, rest for a few minutes, and serve warm.

Notes

For extra juicy meatballs, avoid packing the mixture too tightly when rolling.
Use a meat thermometer if needed; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
You can swap breadcrumbs with oats or gluten-free crumbs if required.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over mashed potatoes or rice
Add to toasted buns for BBQ meatball sandwiches
Enjoy as an appetizer with extra BBQ sauce for dipping

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months