Oven-Baked BBQ Meatballs Recipe: Juicy, Flavor-Packed & Easy to Make!

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