These Awesome Sauce Meatballs are packed with flavor and are super easy to make! They’re juicy and tender, covered in a tangy, sweet sauce that makes them hard to resist.
Who doesn’t love a good meatball? I always serve them over pasta or in a sub, and they’re a hit every time! Plus, they freeze well, so you can save some for later. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: I like using a mix of beef and pork for the best flavor. If you prefer, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they can cook faster.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work great, but you can also use panko for extra crunch. If gluten-free is a need, try crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice depth to the meatballs. If you’re dairy-free, consider nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley is wonderful, but you can swap it for basil or oregano for a different flavor profile. Dried herbs can also work, just use about a teaspoon since they’re more concentrated.
Awesome Sauce: Ketchup is a base in this sauce, but you could use BBQ sauce for a different twist. Try adding some sriracha or hot sauce for extra kick if you like things spicy!
How Do You Make Meatballs Tender and Juicy?
Making tender and juicy meatballs is all about the right mix and handling. Here are the key steps:
- Gentle mixing is key! Combine your ingredients until just mixed to avoid tough meatballs.
- Moisteners like milk and egg help keep them soft. Don’t skip these!
- Start with room temperature ingredients instead of cold from the fridge, this helps them mix better.
- Shape them into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches. This size allows them to cook evenly and quickly without drying out.
- Baking, rather than frying, helps keep them moist and reduces extra grease.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have perfect meatballs every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Awesome Sauce Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 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 paprika
For the Awesome Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Optional: chili powder or hot sauce, to taste
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley (for sprinkling on top)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and approximately 30 minutes total cooking time, making it perfect for a quick family dinner or a fun get-together with friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This will help prevent the meatballs from sticking and make for an easier cleanup!
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything gently. Be careful not to overmix, as this keeps the meatballs tender!
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Now, take small portions of the mixture and shape them into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one for even cooking.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 18-22 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown. You can check if they’re ready by cutting one open; it should be no longer pink inside!
5. Prepare the Awesome Sauce:
While your meatballs bake, let’s whip up the sauce! In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a gentle simmer. If you like it sweeter or spicier, feel free to add a bit more sugar or hot sauce to taste.
6. Combine Meatballs with Sauce:
Once the meatballs are baked, carefully transfer them to the saucepan with the prepared sauce. Gently toss them in the sauce or let them simmer for about 5 minutes, so they soak up all the delicious flavors.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, transfer the sauced meatballs to a serving dish. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a nice touch, and serve them warm! You can enjoy these meatballs as a tasty appetizer, over rice or pasta, or stuffed in a fresh roll for a delicious meatball sandwich. Enjoy!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can definitely use ground turkey! Just be aware that turkey meatballs may be slightly drier, so you might want to add a little more milk or a splash of olive oil to keep them moist.
How Do I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure they are cooled completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and freeze them uncooked. Just shape them, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a bag for easy cooking later. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time!
What Other Sauces Can I Use?
If you’re looking for a different flavor, BBQ sauce works well instead of ketchup, or even a homemade marinara for Italian-style meatballs. You can customize the sauce with different spices or sweetness levels according to your taste!
