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Smoked Beef Meatballs in BBQ Sauce Recipe

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4.2 from 83 reviews

These smoked beef meatballs are a flavorful and juicy appetizer or main dish, slow-cooked over a pellet smoker to infuse a rich smoky flavor. Perfectly seasoned with Parmesan, Worcestershire sauce, and steak seasoning, then smothered in your favorite BBQ sauce, they offer a mouthwatering combination of smoky, savory, and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

Meatball Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
  • 1 cup dried breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • 4 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon steak seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce

  • 16 oz BBQ sauce (any kind)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Smoker: Preheat your pellet smoker to 225°F with a high smoke setting for optimal smoke infusion.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients except the BBQ sauce. Gently blend them together with your hands, ensuring an even mix without overworking the meat.
  3. Form Meatballs: Using a spoon or medium cookie scoop, shape the meat mixture into 1 ½ inch balls. Roll them tightly to maintain their shape and place on a sheet pan.
  4. Smoke Meatballs: Transfer the meatballs directly onto the grill grates of the pellet smoker. Smoke them for 30-40 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F, ensuring they are safely cooked through.
  5. Add BBQ Sauce: Move the smoked meatballs to a baking dish or foil pan. Pour the BBQ sauce over the meatballs, coating them evenly.
  6. Finish Smoking: Return the pan with the sauced meatballs back into the smoker. Smoke for another 20 minutes to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
  7. Serve: Remove from the smoker, gently stir the meatballs to coat in sauce, and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef for the best texture and to reduce excessive grease.
  • Ensure internal temperature reaches 145°F for safe consumption of beef meatballs.
  • You can use any type of BBQ sauce that suits your taste preference.
  • Keep the smoker temperature steady for consistent cooking and smoke flavor.
  • These meatballs can be served as appetizers or as a main dish paired with sides like mashed potatoes or coleslaw.