Name: Sweet and Spicy BBQ Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey (or beef, chicken); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular); 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup onion, finely diced; 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional); 1/4 cup BBQ sauce; 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust for spice preference); 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste

Juicy meatballs glazed in a tangy and sweet BBQ sauce with a hint of heat are a flavor-packed, protein-rich dinner idea. These versatile meatballs are perfect for meal prep, easy to customize, and pair beautifully with rice, vegetables, or salads for a wholesome and satisfying family meal.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ground meat and herbs elevate the flavor significantly.
Don’t overmix: Overmixing the meatball mixture can make them dense. Gently combine the ingredients for tender meatballs.
Adjust spice levels: Control the heat by varying the amount of chili flakes or hot sauce.
Use a scoop: A cookie scoop ensures evenly sized meatballs for uniform cooking.
Preheat your oven or pan: This helps create a perfect sear, locking in moisture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This recipe is a delightful blend of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it’s also versatile enough for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to party appetizers. Packed with protein and customizable with your favorite spices and sauces, these meatballs are both healthy and indulgent. The recipe is meal-prep-friendly, freezer-friendly, and made with wholesome ingredients, making it a go-to choice for busy families and food enthusiasts alike.

Yield: Serves 4

Sweet and Spicy BBQ Meatballs

Juicy sweet and spicy BBQ meatballs with tender texture, packed with flavor, perfect for dinner or meal prep.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey (or beef, chicken)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup onion, finely diced
1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
1/4 cup BBQ sauce
1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust for spice preference)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine, avoiding overmixing.
Form Meatballs: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Cook: Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, heat BBQ sauce and hot sauce in a small pan until warm and slightly thickened.
Glaze and Finish: Remove meatballs from the oven, brush generously with the sauce, and bake for another 5 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and enjoy hot with your favorite sides!

Notes

These meatballs are ideal for a make-ahead dinner or freezer stash. For a crispier texture, sear them in a skillet before baking.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 434Total Fat 25gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 16gCholesterol 167mgSodium 470mgCarbohydrates 19gFiber 1gSugar 8gProtein 32g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes:

Ground meat: Use lean ground turkey, chicken, or beef for protein. For extra moisture, a mix of beef and pork works wonders.
Breadcrumbs: Panko or whole-grain breadcrumbs provide structure while keeping the meatballs tender. Gluten-free options work too!
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
BBQ Sauce: Opt for a low-sugar or homemade BBQ sauce to control sweetness. A smoky-flavored sauce pairs excellently with the spice.
Chili flakes and hot sauce: Add heat and a kick. Adjust according to your preference.
Garlic and onions: Finely diced or grated for added flavor.

Variations and Substitutions:

Meat substitutes: Try plant-based ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian version.
Spices: Add cumin or smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
Sauce: Replace BBQ sauce with a honey mustard glaze or teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile.
Gluten-free: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Dairy-free: Ensure breadcrumbs and BBQ sauce are dairy-free, if applicable.

Storage Options:

Refrigerator: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Freezer: Freeze uncooked or cooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F until heated through.