Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine:
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup finely diced onion
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Mix with clean hands or a spatula until everything is well incorporated. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the meatballs tough.
Step 3: Roll into Balls
Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. You should get about 20–24 meatballs. Place them on the lined baking sheet, evenly spaced.
Step 4: Bake
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should be at least 160°F/71°C).
Step 5: Toss in BBQ Sauce
Transfer the cooked meatballs to a large bowl. Add 1 cup BBQ sauce and toss until evenly coated.
Step 6: Return to Oven
Place the sauced meatballs back on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This helps the sauce caramelize and glaze the meatballs.
Step 7: Serve