Absolutely Awesome Smoky Meatballs
Get ready to elevate your dinner game with these Absolutely Awesome Smoky Meatballs—juicy, flavorful, and irresistibly glazed! Perfectly seasoned with smoked paprika, cumin, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce, these tender meatballs combine ground beef and pork for a rich, savory bite. A quick sear locks in the flavor, while a barbecue sauce glaze baked to perfection adds a smoky-sweet finish. Simple yet gourmet, these meatballs are ready in under an hour and pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a fluffy bed of rice. Ideal for weeknight meals or entertaining guests, this recipe is a must-try for fans of smoky, hearty comfort food.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground beef (preferably 80/20 blend)
- 0.5 pound Ground pork
- 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup Milk
- 1 large Egg
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 0.5 cup Barbecue sauce (for glazing)
- 2 tablespoons Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the milk and soften.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumb mixture, egg, garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Using a tablespoon or a small scoop, portion the meat mixture and roll it between your palms to form evenly sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 20-24 meatballs.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches if necessary, sear the meatballs for 1-2 minutes on each side, just until browned. Transfer the browned meatballs to the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
While the meatballs are baking, warm the barbecue sauce in a small saucepan over low heat to make it easier to glaze.
Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to a large bowl and toss them gently with the warmed barbecue sauce until well coated.
Serve the smoky meatballs hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. They pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or over a bed of rice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2552 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 166.6 g | 214% | |
| Saturated Fat | 59.2 g | 296% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 742 mg | 247% | |
| Sodium | 3186 mg | 139% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 110.5 g | 40% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.0 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 60.0 g | ||
| Protein | 153.0 g | 306% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 14% | |
| Calcium | 327 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 16.7 mg | 93% | |
| Potassium | 1410 mg | 30% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
