Description
These BBQ Meatballs are a delicious and hearty dish made with ground beef, oats, and flavorful seasonings. They are pan-seared to develop a rich brown crust, then baked in a tangy BBQ sauce made from ketchup and onion soup mix, making them perfect for a comforting dinner or game day snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1/3 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
BBQ Sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 packet onion soup mix (adjust to taste, as it’s salty)
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs after searing.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the ground beef, rolled oats, whole milk, Worcestershire sauce, egg, minced onion, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 12 evenly sized, loosely compacted balls to ensure even cooking.
- Heat Oil: Place a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil, heating until shimmering.
- Sear Meatballs: Add meatballs to the hot skillet (in batches if necessary to avoid crowding) and cook for about 3 minutes per side, or until they develop a nice brown crust.
- Prepare Sauce: While the meatballs are cooking, whisk together ketchup, water, and onion soup mix in a small bowl until smooth.
- Combine and Bake: Spoon the BBQ sauce evenly over the browned meatballs in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through. Alternatively, you may place the meatballs in a casserole dish, cover with the sauce, and bake.
Notes
- If you prefer a less salty dish, reduce the amount of onion soup mix used in the sauce.
- Using rolled oats as a binder adds texture and helps retain moisture in the meatballs.
- The skillet must be oven-safe for the final baking step; otherwise, transfer to a casserole dish.
- These meatballs can be served with mashed potatoes, rice, or on sandwich buns for a BBQ sub.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: BBQ meatballs, baked meatballs, ground beef recipe, easy meatballs, oven-baked meatballs, savory meatballs, quick dinner
