Party-Perfect Glazed Meatballs
These tender, juicy meatballs are coated in a rich, flavorful sauce that makes them the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Perfect for birthday parties, potlucks, or any gathering, they can be made ahead and kept warm in a slow cooker for easy serving.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork or use all beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs plain or Italian-style
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
For the sauce
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup grape jelly or apricot preserves
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, onion powder, and oregano. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and slightly browned.
- While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce by whisking together barbecue sauce, grape jelly, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until smooth and heated through.
- Transfer the baked meatballs to a slow cooker or serving dish. Pour the warm sauce over the meatballs and toss gently to coat.
- If using a slow cooker, set to low heat and let the meatballs simmer for at least 2-3 hours for maximum flavor.
- Serve warm with toothpicks or over rice for a heartier dish.