These Awesome Sauce Meatballs are tasty bites made with ground meat and packed with flavor. The sauce is a delicious mix that hugs each meatball perfectly!
Who doesn’t love a good meatball, right? I make extra so I can have them on a roll for lunch the next day. Yummy leftovers are the best! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: I usually go for ground beef, but using a mix of beef and pork adds extra flavor and juiciness. For a lighter option, turkey or chicken works too!
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs bind the meatballs well. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes as a substitute.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice salty flavor. If you can’t find Parmesan, pecorino or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) can work great!
Onion & Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic bring wonderful flavor to the meatballs. If you’re in a hurry, use onion powder and garlic powder instead.
Herbs: Fresh parsley brightens the dish. For a similar flavor, you might try basil or oregano if you have those on hand!
How Do I Keep My Meatballs Moist and Tender?
Getting moist meatballs is key! Make sure to not overmix when combining your ingredients. Overmixing makes them tough! Here’s my easy method:
- In a bowl, mix your dry ingredients separately then gently fold in the meat.
- Incorporate the wet ingredients last.
- When forming meatballs, don’t pack them too tight. Lightly roll them for a better texture!
Another tip: Adding a bit of milk helps keep them moist as they cook. Enjoy the juicy center of each meatball!
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 finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (optional)
For the Awesome Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1-2 tbsp water (to thin sauce if needed)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prep and 15-18 minutes to bake the meatballs. Don’t forget to add about 5 minutes for simmering in the sauce. So in total, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes to have delicious meatballs ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking juicy meatballs! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, egg, milk, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using). Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the meatballs tough!
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. You want them to have some space so they can brown nicely!
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 15-18 minutes, or until they are cooked through and nicely browned. You can check by cutting one open; it should no longer be pink inside.
5. Make the Awesome Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, make the amazing sauce! In a saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Heat over medium heat until it starts to simmer, then reduce the heat to low to keep it warm.
6. Combine Meatballs with Sauce:
Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully add them to the saucepan with the sauce. Gently stir to coat each meatball well in that mouthwatering sauce, and let them simmer together for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors blend beautifully!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the meatballs to a serving bowl and sprinkle with extra chopped parsley for a nice touch. These meatballs can be enjoyed as a tasty appetizer, served over rice or pasta, or even in a sandwich. Dive in and enjoy every delicious bite of your Awesome Sauce Meatballs!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you can use a mix of beef and pork for added flavor. Ground turkey or chicken are great lighter alternatives, too!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. If freezing, place them in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
Can I Make Meatballs in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and keep them uncooked in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap. Alternatively, you can freeze them raw and bake from frozen, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
How Can I Make the Sauce Spicier?
If you want a bit of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. Adding chopped jalapeños or sriracha can also give it a nice kick! Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
