These Honey BBQ Meatballs are sweet, savory, and packed with bold flavor in every bite. Made with a blend of ground beef and pork, they bake up tender and juicy before getting coated in a sticky honey barbecue glaze with just a hint of sweetness from grape jelly. The sauce thickens as it bakes, clinging to each meatball for that perfect glossy finish. They’re easy enough for a weeknight dinner but just as perfect for parties, game day, or potlucks. If you are looking for a more classic version, be sure to check out our traditional meatballs.
Why These Meatballs Work
Using a mix of ground beef and pork gives these meatballs a richer flavor and better texture than using just one type of meat. The milk and breadcrumbs keep them tender, while the sauce brings everything together with a balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. Using homemade barbecue sauce lets you control the flavor to just how you like it.
Tips for the Best Meatballs
- Mix the ingredients just until combined to keep the meatballs tender and not dense.
- Lightly greasing your hands makes it easier to roll the meatballs and keeps the mixture from sticking.
- Letting the meatballs bake before adding the sauce helps them hold their shape and develop a slight crust.
What to Serve with Honey BBQ Meatballs
These meatballs are versatile and can be served as an appetizer or a full meal.
Some great serving ideas include:
- Over mashed potatoes
- With white rice or lemon rice
- On slider buns for sandwiches
- Alongside roasted vegetables
- As part of a party appetizer spread
Storage Tips
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven, adding a little extra sauce if needed to keep them moist.
Honey BBQ Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup (54 g) fine dry breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- ¼ cup yellow onion, finely minced
- 1 cup (280 g) barbecue sauce store-bought or homemade
- â…“ cup (113 g) honey
- â…“ cup (106 g) grape jelly
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the milk, breadcrumbs, garlic, and onion. Add this mixture to the meat mixture and gently mix, being careful not to overwork it.
- Lightly grease your hands and form the mixture into meatballs using about 2 tablespoons per meatball. Place them into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are lightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and carefully drain and discard most of the grease.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, honey, and grape jelly. Pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs.
- Cover with foil and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve warm.
This recipe was inspired by Honey BBQ Meatballs on iamhomesteader.com
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