Tailgate BBQ Beef (Printer-friendly)
Succulent beef spheres coated in a rich, tangy BBQ glaze, ideal for gatherings or as a satisfying snack.
# What you'll need:
→ Meatballs
01 - 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 - 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 0.25 cup whole milk
05 - 0.25 cup finely chopped onion
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
09 - 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 0.5 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
→ BBQ Glaze
12 - 1 cup BBQ sauce
13 - 2 tablespoons honey
14 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
# Method:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, then lightly grease it.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.
03 - Using damp hands, form the meat mixture into 1.5-inch diameter meatballs. Arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes, or until they are browned and partially cooked through.
05 - While the meatballs bake, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the glaze is warm and slightly thickened, which takes approximately 5 minutes.
06 - Carefully remove the meatballs from the oven. Using tongs or a spoon, transfer them to the saucepan with the prepared BBQ glaze and gently toss to ensure each meatball is thoroughly coated.
07 - Return the glazed meatballs to the baking sheet. Continue baking for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the meatballs are fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F. Serve hot, with extra sauce for dipping if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- You'll adore how effortlessly these come together, leaving you more time to actually enjoy your guests, not just cook for them.
- That perfect balance of savory beef with a sweet and tangy glaze is seriously addictive – prepare for rave reviews!
02 -
- Resist the urge to overmix the meatball mixture; a gentle hand ensures they stay wonderfully tender, not tough.
- Using slightly damp hands when shaping the meatballs makes the process so much easier and prevents the mixture from sticking to you like crazy!
03 -
- Don't skip the parchment paper; it makes cleanup an absolute dream and prevents any sticky glaze mishaps.
- Invest in a good quality BBQ sauce you genuinely love; it forms the backbone of your glaze, and its flavor will truly shine through.