Smoked BBQ Meatballs with Sweet and Smoky Sauce: A Flavorful Delight!
If you're looking for a mouthwatering appetizer or a
crowd-pleasing main course, these Smoked BBQ Meatballs with Sweet and Smoky
Sauce are the perfect choice. The combination of smoky, savory meatballs and a
delectable sweet and smoky sauce will have your taste buds dancing with
delight. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, and the result is a plate
full of irresistible goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds. So
fire up your smoker and let's get started!
Ingredients:
For the meatballs:
- 1 ½
pounds ground beef (80/20 blend works well)
- 1
cup breadcrumbs
- 2
cloves garlic, minced
- 1
small onion, finely chopped
- 2
tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1
large egg, lightly beaten
- 1
teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1
teaspoon salt
- ½
teaspoon black pepper
For the sweet and smoky sauce:
- 1
cup ketchup
- ½
cup brown sugar
- 2
tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2
tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1
tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1
teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
- ½
teaspoon garlic powder
- ½
teaspoon onion powder
- Salt
and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat
your smoker to 225°F (110°C). If you don't have a smoker, you can use a
charcoal or gas grill with indirect heat setup or even bake them in the
oven at 375°F (190°C).
- In a
large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients. Mix well using your
hands until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Shape
the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter. You should
get around 30 meatballs.
- Place
the meatballs on a wire rack or a smoker-friendly baking sheet, making
sure to leave space between them for the smoke to circulate.
- Once
the smoker is ready, place the meatballs in the smoker and close the lid.
Smoke the meatballs for approximately 2 hours or until they reach an
internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- While
the meatballs are smoking, prepare the sweet and smoky sauce. In a medium
saucepan, combine all the sauce ingredients and whisk together until
smooth. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a
simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce
thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- When
the meatballs are fully cooked, remove them from the smoker and let them
rest for a few minutes.
- Dip
each meatball into the sweet and smoky sauce, ensuring they are well
coated. You can reserve some sauce for serving on the side if desired.
- Return
the sauced meatballs to the smoker for an additional 15-20 minutes,
allowing the sauce to caramelize and create a sticky glaze.
- Once
done, remove the meatballs from the smoker and let them cool slightly.
Serve them on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley or sliced green
onions for a pop of color.
- These
Smoked BBQ Meatballs with Sweet and Smoky Sauce are perfect as an
appetizer, served with toothpicks for easy snacking, or as a main course
accompanied by your favorite sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or mashed
potatoes.
- Enjoy
the explosion of flavors as the smoky meatballs and the sweet and tangy
sauce combine to create a delightful culinary experience. Be prepared for
compliments and requests for the recipe!
Smoked BBQ Meatballs with Sweet and Smoky Sauce offer a
delightful twist on traditional meatballs, infusing them with the irresistible
flavors of smoke, sweetness, and tanginess. Whether you're hosting a party or
simply want to treat yourself and your loved ones to a delicious meal, this
recipe is a surefire winner. So fire up your smoker and get ready to indulge in
these succulent and flavorful meatballs that will leave everyone craving for
more.