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Cozy One-Pot BBQ Meatballs with Brown Sugar Glaze

one-pot bbq meatballs - featured image
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A quick and easy one-pot recipe featuring tender meatballs simmered in a sticky, sweet-savory brown sugar BBQ glaze, perfect for weeknights and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • ¼ cup milk (dairy-free optional)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (smoky, slightly sweet)
  • ¼ cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tsp chili powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and parsley. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Form mixture into 1½ inch balls, about 20 meatballs, keeping them uniform in size.
  3. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches for 5-7 minutes until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, add BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and chili powder. Stir and simmer for 3-4 minutes until sugar dissolves and sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Return meatballs to skillet, spoon sauce over them, cover, and simmer gently for 15 minutes, turning halfway through to coat evenly and cook through.
  6. Remove lid, increase heat to medium-high, and cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes to thicken glaze and caramelize edges. Stir to coat meatballs in sauce.

Notes

Do not overmix meat to avoid tough meatballs. Brown meatballs before simmering to seal in juices. Adjust glaze thickness by simmering longer or adding liquid. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko. Variations include using ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ meatballs, one-pot recipe, brown sugar glaze, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, family meal

Find it online: https://avabake.com/cozy-one-pot-bbq-meatballs-with-brown-sugar-glaze-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-weeknights/