These Awesome Sauce Meatballs are super tasty! Made from juicy ground meat and coated in a sweet and tangy sauce, they’re perfect for any meal or snack.
Who doesn’t love meatballs? I often make them for parties and watch them disappear in seconds! Serve with toothpicks for easy sharing, and enjoy the smiles all around! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: I recommend a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor and juiciness. You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lean option, just keep in mind they may be less rich.
Bread Crumbs: I love using plain breadcrumbs for a nice texture. If you’re gluten-free, opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs or even ground oats as a substitute.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice depth to the meatballs. If you don’t have it, any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano works. Nutritional yeast can be a good dairy-free alternative.
Onion & Garlic: Fresh is best, but you can use onion powder and garlic powder in a pinch. Just remember to cut the amounts down since they’re more concentrated.
How Do I Keep My Meatballs Tender?
Moisture is key to tender meatballs! Mixing the ingredients just until combined helps, as overmixing can make them tough. Here’s how to succeed:
- Use breadcrumbs soaked in milk to add moisture.
- Form meatballs gently without packing them too tightly.
- Baking instead of frying helps keep them moist without losing juices.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have meatballs that are juicy and delicious every time! Enjoy your cooking journey! 😊
Awesome Sauce Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
For the Awesome Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a mild kick)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 25 minutes total! You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the meatballs and sauce, and then let them bake for 15-20 minutes. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious meatballs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by Preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking. This makes for an easy cleanup later!
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and chopped parsley. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the meatballs nice and tender!
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Take a small handful of the meat mixture and shape it into a ball about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the shaped meatballs evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. This helps them cook evenly!
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and nicely browned on the outside. You can use a meat thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
5. Make the Awesome Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce! In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
6. Coat the Meatballs:
Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully transfer them into the saucepan with the warm sauce. Gently stir to coat all the meatballs evenly with the sauce—this is where the flavor magic happens!
7. Simmer Together:
Let everything simmer together on low heat for another 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and gives those meatballs a delicious coating of sauce.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Awesome Sauce Meatballs hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. They’re perfect as an appetizer with toothpicks, delicious over pasta, or stuffed into a sub sandwich. Enjoy every last bite!
With their rich flavors and sticky-sweet sauce, these Awesome Sauce Meatballs are sure to be a hit at your table! 🍽️
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just keep in mind that turkey tends to be drier than beef, so adding a bit more milk or some finely chopped vegetables can help keep the meatballs moist.
How Can I Make These Meatballs Spicy?
If you like a kick, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce or mix in some diced jalapeños into the meat mixture. You can also try using spicy ketchup to amp up the flavor even more!
Can I Make the Meatballs in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time! Shape them and place them on a baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just bake them when you’re ready, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or sauce to keep them moist. Enjoy them warm in a sub or over pasta again!