BBQ meatballs are a traditional, bite-sized appetizer. They’re usually prepared in the crockpot or the oven, but smoking them adds an added layer of flavor.
This recipe for barbecue meatballs mixes ground beef and Italian sausage to make tender meatballs with a sweet and smokey barbecue flavor.
Contents
- What type of meat for these meatballs
- How to make smoked meatballs
- How to serve smoked barbecue meatballs
- Great sides for smoked barbecue meatballs
- Smoked Barbecue Meatballs Recipe
- FAQs
- What to serve with smoked meatballs?
- What is the best way to serve BBQ meatballs?
- What are BBQ meatballs made of?
- How do you thicken BBQ meatballs?
- What do Italians have with meatballs?
- What goes good with smoked meat?
- Do you cook meatballs in sauce or separately?
- Should meatballs be cooked before putting in sauce?
- Should you let meatballs sit in sauce?
- Why grape jelly in meatballs?
What type of meat for these meatballs
20 ground beef meatballs with ground Italian sausage. I enjoy the taste that the sausage gives, but you could also double the beef or use ground pork instead.I like combining 80
20 beef because the fat content makes the meatballs wet and protects them from drying out on the grill.I went with 80.
Another excellent choice is to grind your own ground beef at home. You may use full chuck or sirloin for the lean portion and leftover brisket or tri-tip trimmings for the fat, giving you a terrific method to utilize every component of every cut!
Grinding your own beef at home is also more cost-effective since you will not only be able to use all of the fat trimmings from other cuts, but you will not have to pay a premium at the butcher counter for them to perform the grinding for you.
A meat grinder is a terrific piece of equipment to have, and we have a guide to the finest meat grinders if you want to acquire one.
How to make smoked meatballs
Meatballs are a simple meal to prepare. Simply combine all of the ingredients in a mixing basin, give it a thorough stir, and form the meatballs.
This dish is tasty and adaptable. Change out your preferred ground beef, add your favorite spices, amp up the heat with cayenne pepper; the choices are unlimited, so get creative!
1. Mix your meatballs
Combine the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large mixing basin. Then stir in the Italian breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and spices.
Mixing meat with your hands is the finest method. Mix until all of the ingredients are well incorporated but not overmixed.
2. Form your meatballs
To make the meatball, take a scoop of the meat mixture and roll it between your palms.
You may build them in whatever size you like. I aim for a diameter of about 2 inches.
It is critical to keep the size of the whole batch reasonably consistent so that they cook evenly.
Then, space your meatballs approximately 2 inches apart on a jerky tray (or wire rack).
3. Heat your smoker to 250°F
Preheat your smoker to 250F.
These were smoked on my Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 with B&B Oak Lump Charcoal.
Oak complements both beef and pork. It has a strong, smokey taste without being overbearing, which makes it ideal for these smoked meatballs.
Allow them to smoke for approximately 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. My ThermoPro TP03 digital instant-read thermometer was utilized.
4. Sauce your meatballs
Remove the meatballs off the grill and cover with your preferred barbecue sauce.
After the meatballs have been covered in the sauce, return the rack to the smoker for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F. They are then ready to enjoy!
How to serve smoked barbecue meatballs
- The Ideal Appetizer Serve with toothpicks and additional barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.
- Meatball Subs put them on a sub bread with melted cheddar cheese and a drizzle of barbecue sauce for the ultimate barbecue meatball sub.
- Pasta with Smoked Meat Add them to your favorite pasta meal for a smokey spin on spaghetti and meatballs.
- As the Main Dish There’s no reason these meatballs can’t be your dinner’s main meal. Serve with your favorite vegetables and potatoes for a great supper.
Great sides for smoked barbecue meatballs
- Herb Roasted Potato Salad
- Smoked Mac and Cheese
- Triple Cooked Potato Wedges
- Smoked Baked Beans with Bacon
- Creamy Coleslaw
