Moms Bbq Meatballs My Go To For Pot Lucks Recipe

Picture this: it’s Sunday afternoon, and the irresistible aroma of these homemade barbecue meatballs is wafting through my kitchen, promising comfort and a flavor explosion that’s worth every bit of effort.

My mom’s recipe for BBQ meatballs is one that I truly hold dear and love to share; an absolute crowd-pleaser at potlucks and a sure-fire way to get people singing your culinary praises. While the ingredients are hardly fancy or overtly exciting (ground beef, breadcrumbs, and, yes, a hint of garlic), these meatballs somehow resonate with tasty goodness and meal-time satisfaction.

Heavily seasoned with paprika and smothered in what I consider to be the world’s best barbecue sauce, they are perfect for any gathering.

Moms Bbq Meatballs My Go To For Pot Lucks Recipe Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Provides rich protein and essential nutrients, adds savory flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Adds texture, helps bind meatballs, contains carbohydrates.
• Milk: Keeps meatballs moist, adds mild creaminess, provides calcium.
• Onion: Enhances flavor with mild sweetness, offers some fiber.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor; offers potential health benefits.
• Egg: Acts as a binder, provides protein and some vitamin content.
• Barbecue Sauce: Adds tangy, sweet flavor; enhances overall taste.

Moms Bbq Meatballs My Go To For Pot Lucks Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce

How to Make this Moms Bbq Meatballs My Go To For Pot Lucks Recipe

1. In a big mixing bowl, combine the following:

– Ground beef
– Breadcrumbs
– Milk
– Onion, very finely chopped
– Garlic, minced
– Egg
– Salt
– Black pepper
– Paprika

Mix it up well.

2. Using your hands, form the blend into 1-inch meatballs, making sure they are all the same size so they will cook evenly.

3. In a big skillet, warm the olive oil on medium. When hot, add the meatballs in batches, taking care not to overcrowd the pan.

4. Sear the meatballs so that they are nicely browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. As you sear, turn the meatballs gently to ensure even browning.

5. When they have taken on color, move the meatballs to a large baking dish.

6. Spread the barbecue sauce over the meatballs evenly, so that they are well-coated.

7. Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to heat before baking.

8. Aluminum foil should be used to cover the baking dish to keep moisture in.

9. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The meatballs will be cooked through and the sauce will be sizzling when the dish is done.

10. At your next potluck, serve this warm for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and savor the lip-smacking, made-from-scratch goodness.

Moms Bbq Meatballs My Go To For Pot Lucks Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Garlic press (optional)
7. Skillet
8. Stove
9. Baking dish
10. Oven
11. Aluminum foil
12. Spatula or tongs
13. Ladle or spoon for sauce

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?A: Yes, you can use ground turkey or pork instead of ground beef for a different flavor and lower fat content.
• Q: How do I make sure the meatballs hold their shape?A: Thoroughly combine the elements and chill for 30 minutes before forming to help retain shape while cooking.
• Q: Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?Absolutely, advance preparation of the meatballs is possible; they can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking, or frozen for longer storage.
• Q: What type of barbecue sauce should I use?A: Use the barbecue sauce you favor, or try flavors that suit your taste profile, like smoky or spicy. Experiment with your barbecue sauce!
• Q: Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?Yes, the meatballs can be baked in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until they are fully cooked.
• Q: How can I make the recipe gluten-free?A: Replace the ordinary breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and check the barbecue sauce to make sure it is gluten-free.
• Q: Can I add other ingredients to the meatballs?Finely chopped bell pepper or herbs such as parsley can be added for flavor and texture.

Moms Bbq Meatballs My Go To For Pot Lucks Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1 cup breadcrumbs: Substitute with 1 cup of oats or crushed crackers.
1/2 cup milk. Substitute with 1/2 cup of almond milk or beef broth.
1/2 cup finely diced onion: Substitute with 1/2 cup diced shallots or green onions.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Replace with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
1 egg: Use 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water (let sit for 5 minutes) as a substitute.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Flavor with Herbs: Add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like parsley or oregano to the meat mixture for an extra layer of flavor.