Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
BBQ Meatballs on a sesrving platter, slices of bread, two glasses, dish with bbq sauce and a sauce brush

BBQ Meatballs from the smoker

Sylwia Vaclavek
Those easy BBQ Meatballs deliver flavor everybody will be craving. Combination of tender meat, sticky, smoky bbq sauce makes them great as a meal prep or to share at a potluck party.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Save
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Course Appetizer, Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 421 kcal

Equipment

  • mixing bowls
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • large baking sheet
  • grilling tray
  • sauce brush
  • large cooking pan
  • cheese grater

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 2 tbsp chipotle in adobo
  • 2 cup bbq sauce 2 tbsp reserved
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ cup gouda shredded
  • ½ onion diced or grated
  • ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup chicharones crushed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Gather all the necessary ingredients listed in the recipe.
  • Measure and prepare each ingredient according to the specified quantities.
  • Preheat the smoker to 225°F (107°C) if smoking them, or preheat a skillet over medium heat if pan-frying. Hickory, apple, or cherry wood are excellent choices for adding flavor to meatballs.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped garlic cloves, grated onion, and any additional spices or seasonings (such as cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper).
  • Add the chipotle in adobo sauce, 2 tbsp BBQ sauce, shredded gouda, crushed chicharrones, and lightly whisked eggs to the bowl.
  • Gently mix the ingredients together until well combined, being careful not to overmix.
  • Using a cookie scoop or your hands, portion out the meat mixture into 30 g meatballs. Using your hands roll it into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Arrange the meatballs on a wire rack, grill tray.
  • Once the smoker is preheated, place the wire rack with the meatballs inside the smoker.
  • Close the smoker lid and let the meatballs smoke at 225°F (107°C) for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  • Optionally, you can baste the meatballs with additional BBQ sauce halfway through the smoking meatballs process for added flavor.
  • 15 min before finishing the cook, transfer the meatballs to a large cooking pan and add the rest of the BBQ sauce. Saute for 15-20 minutes.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, if desired, and serve hot with additional BBQ sauce for dipping or drizzling.

Notes

  • Mix the ingredients gently just until combined. Overmixing will result in tough meatballs. 
  • Opt for fresh herbs, spices, and aromatics like garlic and onion for maximum flavor.
  • Don't be shy with the salt and pepper. Season the meat mixture well to enhance the flavors of the ingredients. Taste the mixture before forming the meatballs to ensure it's properly seasoned.
  • Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before forming the meatballs. This helps the flavors meld together and makes the mixture easier to handle.
  • For evenly sized meatballs, use a cookie or ice cream scoop to portion out the mixture. This ensures that all the meatballs cook at the same rate.

Nutrition

Serving: 4pieceCalories: 421kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 21gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 114mgSodium: 996mgPotassium: 431mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 364IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 91mgIron: 2mg
Keyword bbq, meatballs
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!