BBQ Meatballs

BBQ Meatballs

4 servings
Sheet pan-baked BBQ meatballs are bursting with all the goodness of the grill. Smoky and tangy, they are perfect on a sub sandwich or just for eating on their own.

Ingredients

  • ground beef

    80/20 or higher in fat preferred

    1 lb
  • egg

    cracked

    1
  • crushed tortilla chips
    ½ c
  • ketchup
    2 tbsp
  • brown sugar
    2 tbsp
  • smoked paprika
    1 tsp
  • garlic powder
    1 tsp
  • onion powder
    1 tsp
  • cayenne
    ½ tsp
  • oregano
    ½ tsp
  • salt
    ½ tsp
  • pepper
    ½ tsp
  • bbq sauce

    for basting

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.

  2. 2

    Add ground beef, egg, tortilla chips, ketchup, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, salt, and black pepper to a large bowl. Mix together gently with your hands until evenly combined. Roll mixture into balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place meatballs on the prepared baking sheet.

  3. 3

    Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and baste with BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and bake about 12 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). Serve as desired.

BBQ Meatballs

BBQ Meatballs

40 min4 servings166 cal

Similar Recipes

Ratings & Reviews

Be the First to Rate

Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!

About this Recipe

Longing for that smoky, tangy BBQ flavor without firing up the grill? These easy sheet pan BBQ Meatballs bring all the goodness of a backyard cookout right to your dinner table, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

The genius of this recipe lies in its simplicity: baking meatballs on a sheet pan ensures even cooking and easy cleanup, while a careful blend of spices like smoked paprika and cayenne infuses them with deep, complex flavors that complement your favorite BBQ sauce beautifully. The crushed tortilla chips are a clever addition, helping bind the meatballs and adding subtle texture, setting these apart from your average beef meatballs.

You'll discover tender, juicy meatballs bursting with a savory, sweet, and smoky profile, balanced by a hint of warmth from the cayenne. The 80/20 ground beef, along with the egg and crushed tortilla chips, creates a wonderfully yielding texture that's still firm enough to hold its shape. Basting with BBQ sauce during baking ensures a caramelized, sticky exterior that’s absolutely irresistible. This dish offers a comforting, hearty experience that feels indulgent but comes together with minimal fuss.

For customization, feel free to play with the heat level by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper. You can also swap out the ground beef for a leaner option, though the preferred 80/20 fat content ensures maximum juiciness. Experiment with different styles of BBQ sauce—from sweet and sticky to spicy and vinegary—to make these truly your own. Don't have tortilla chips? Standard breadcrumbs will work as a binder too.

These versatile BBQ Meatballs are fantastic served on their own as a hearty snack or appetizer, but truly shine when piled high on a sub sandwich for a flavorful, satisfying dinner. They're a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion where you crave that comforting BBQ taste.

Frequently Asked Questions