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Simple Honey BBQ Meatballs Recipe

Honey BBQ Meatballs are tender, juicy beef meatballs coated in a sticky-sweet honey barbecue glaze. This easy crowd-pleasing appetizer is perfect for parties, game day, potlucks, or even a quick weeknight dinner with bold, smoky-sweet flavor in every bite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 24 meatballs
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs panko preferred
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil optional
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
  • Fresh parsley for garnish optional

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, gently mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, onion, and garlic powder.
  3. Form mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 15–20 minutes until browned and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. In a saucepan, combine barbecue sauce, honey, and soy sauce.
  6. Simmer sauce over medium heat until slightly thickened, then remove from heat.
  7. Transfer cooked meatballs to a bowl or slow cooker.
  8. Pour honey BBQ sauce over meatballs and gently toss to coat.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

These honey BBQ meatballs can be made ahead and kept warm in a slow cooker for parties. The sauce flavor deepens after resting, making leftovers even better.