Introduction
Meatballs are a classic comfort food that bring warmth and satisfaction to any meal. This recipe features juicy ground beef meatballs, bounded with quick oats and a savory blend of seasonings, all drenched in a tangy homemade BBQ sauce. Perfect for dinner with the family or for meal prep, these meatballs are easy to prepare and can be frozen for later enjoyment.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Meatballs:
– 2 lbs. ground beef (85/15)
– 1 cup quick oats
– 1 (5-ounce) can evaporated milk
– 1 egg, beaten
– 2 teaspoons onion powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 2 teaspoons kosher salt
Homemade BBQ Sauce:
– 2 cups ketchup
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons liquid smoke
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Prep Time
Preparation time for this recipe is approximately 15-20 minutes.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is 1 hour. The total time, including prep and cooking, is about 1 hour and 20 minutes. This recipe yields approximately 35-40 meatballs, making it ideal for family meals or meal planning.
These meatballs can be served with mashed potatoes and green beans for a hearty, satisfying dinner. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mix Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine all meatball ingredients: ground beef, quick oats, evaporated milk, beaten egg, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, and kosher salt. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Roll the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs. You can either divide them into two smaller casserole dishes or arrange all the meatballs in a larger 9×13 baking dish. If you’re planning to freeze some, it might be more convenient to use two pans.
Make Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the homemade BBQ sauce: ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and kosher salt until smooth and well blended.
Pour Sauce Over Meatballs
Pour the prepared BBQ sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Bake Meatballs
Place the meatballs in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. Once baked, remove from the oven; the meatballs should be bubbling, and some oil may have separated from the sauce.
Add Water and Stir
After removing from the oven, add 2-3 tablespoons of water to the baking dish and stir gently. This will help emulsify the sauce, allowing it to cling better to the meatballs.
Serve
Serve the meatballs alongside mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete meal. Enjoy the tender and delicious flavors!
Notes
Meatball Yield
This recipe typically yields about 35-40 meatballs, depending on the size.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze uncooked meatballs covered in sauce. It’s best to use a foil pan for easy handling if you plan to give them away as a meal.
Cooking from Frozen
To cook meatballs from frozen, bake them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 60-75 minutes or until fully cooked and tender, with the sauce bubbling. Add a few tablespoons of water if needed to loosen the sauce before serving.
Cook techniques
Mixing Ingredients
When preparing the meatballs, ensure all ingredients are well combined for even flavor distribution. Use your hands or a mixing spoon for best results.
Rolling Meatballs
Shape the meat mixture into golf-ball sized balls. The size helps ensure even cooking and tenderness throughout.
Layering in Baking Dish
You can either divide the meatballs into smaller casserole dishes or use a large baking dish. Spacing them out allows for proper cooking and flavorful sauce distribution.
Whisking Sauce
Combine all BBQ sauce ingredients thoroughly using a whisk. This technique ensures the sauce is smooth and well blended.
Baking Technique
Bake the meatballs at 350 degrees for 1 hour. This method allows the flavors to meld and ensures the meatballs are cooked through.
Emulsifying Sauce
After baking, add a few tablespoons of water to loosen the sauce. Stirring helps emulsify the sauce, allowing it to cling to the meatballs.
FAQ
How many meatballs can I expect from this recipe?
Typically, this recipe yields 35-40 meatballs.
Can I freeze the meatballs before cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs covered with sauce, ideally in a foil pan for convenience.
How do I cook meatballs from frozen?
Bake the frozen meatballs at 350 degrees for 60-75 minutes or until they are cooked through and tender.
Why do I need to add water after baking?
Adding water helps to loosen and emulsify the sauce, making it stick better to the meatballs for improved flavor and texture.
Conclusion
This meatball recipe offers a delicious and satisfying meal that can easily be made in bulk, providing great options for family dinners or freezing for later use. The combination of ground beef with oats creates tender meatballs, complemented by a flavorful homemade BBQ sauce that enhances the overall taste.
Meatball Variations
Try substituting ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a spicy kick, add chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
Vegetarian Alternative
Use plant-based ground meat or a mixture of beans, lentils, and oats to create a hearty vegetarian or vegan meatball.
Sauce Alternatives
Experiment with different sauces such as teriyaki, sweet chili, or a creamy mushroom sauce for a unique flavor profile.
Side Dish Combinations
Pair the meatballs with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables, quinoa salad, or garlic bread for a well-rounded meal.
Ingredient Swaps
Try using breadcrumbs instead of oats for a different texture, or substitute the ketchup in the BBQ sauce with tomato sauce for a milder taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve meatballs in a sub roll with cheese for a delicious meatball sandwich or on skewers for a fun appetizer at gatherings.
