Make these Easy BBQ Meatballs in mere minutes with this simple 3-ingredient recipe!
Using frozen meatballs, barbecue sauce and apricot jam, these easy meatballs are sweet, tangy and so delicious. They taste like they’ve been slow cooked in a gourmet-level sauce that took hours to make. No one will know the secret, and no one will be able to resist these tasty bite sized morsels!
Easy BBQ Meatball Recipe!
- This is the best bbq meatball recipe because it’s has just 3 ingredients, 2 steps, and 1 pan! What’s not to love?
- Bbq meatballs make a quick and delicious appetizer in less than 10 minutes. Perfect for last-minute parties and hungry guests!
- Cook these tasty morsels on the stovetop, then keep warm in a Crockpot so guests can help themselves.
- Thread meatballs on skewers for a portable snack. Or set out a tray of toasted buns and shredded mozzarella cheese to make mini meatball sliders!
3 Ingredient Recipe
BBQ meatballs are super easy to make, with just three items to shop for and cook!
MEATBALLS: Frozen meatballs can be added directly to the saucepan! All-beef or a beef and pork blend will do. Even chicken, turkey, and plant-based meatballs can be used in this recipe!
SAUCE: With so many varieties of bbq sauce, you can make more than one flavor for an appetizer platter! A sweet and sour, honey bbq, mesquite smoked, even a tangy buffalo sauce are all great flavors! Or create your own homemade blend! Make different bbq meatballs and thread them on wooden skewers for a portable appetizer!
VARIATIONS: Instead of apricot jam, try grape jelly, orange marmalade. Or pour in a bit of Dr. Pepper, root beer, or cola for a sweet flavor to pair with the bbq sauce.
How to make BBQ Meatballs
Just a couple of steps is all it takes to make these juicy and delicious meatballs.
- Simmer jam and bbq sauce in a saucepan and add meatballs (as per recipe below).
- Cook until heated through and serve.
PRO TIP: Keep cooked meatballs warm in the oven and place them under the broiler just before serving.
Optional garnishes include bacon bits, chopped parsley, sliced green onions, or sesame seeds.
Serving Suggestions
- Make an appetizer platter including bbq meatballs, fun loaded mashed potato balls, some pizza dippers, bacon wrapped brussels sprouts and a slice of cold veggie pizza.
- For a weeknight dinner serve over top garlic mashed potatoes or with this tasty rice-a-roni.
- These sweet and tasty meatballs would be awesome in a meatball sub, or added to a savory stir fry.
Recipe Tips & Tricks!
Here are some ideas for no-fail meatballs every time.
- Keep leftover easy bbq meatballs and sauce together in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat meatballs on the stovetop over low heat, or just eat them cold. Either way they are delish!
- Freeze fully cooled meatballs in a zippered bag up to 4 weeks and reheat from frozen in a sauce pan with a little water to loosen the sauce.
Other Easy Meatball Recipes!
- Crock Pot Jelly Meatballs – set-it-and-forget-it recipe.
- Simple Meatball Recipe – made from scratch.
- Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs – a tasty treat.
- Crock Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs – for a hearty appetite.
Easy BBQ Meatballs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound meatballs frozen
- ⅔ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup apricot jam
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, whisk together jam and BBQ sauce and bring to a simmer.
- Add meatballs to the sauce and turn to low, cooking meatballs until heated through, about 10-12 minutes.
Notes
- Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to 4 days. Or freeze fully cooled meatballs in a zippered bag for up to 4 weeks.
- Reheat meatballs from frozen, or thawed, on the stovetop over low heat, or covered with foil in the oven. In either case, add a little water to help loosen the sauce.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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