Description
These BBQ Meatballs feature fully cooked meatballs simmered in a tangy and slightly sweet homemade barbecue sauce made from ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. This quick and easy skillet recipe is perfect as a party appetizer or a flavorful main dish that can be served with sides like mashed potatoes or coleslaw.
Ingredients
Scale
BBQ Sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. pepper
Meatballs
- 32 oz. fully-cooked meatballs (store bought or homemade)*
Instructions
- Prepare the BBQ Sauce: In a large skillet, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, light brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Place the skillet over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and to fully dissolve the sugar.
- Add Meatballs: Once the sauce is boiling, add the fully-cooked meatballs to the skillet. Stir frequently as the sauce returns to a gentle boil to coat the meatballs evenly.
- Simmer to Finish: Reduce the heat to low and let the meatballs simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and that the meatballs are heated through while allowing the sauce to thicken and intensify in flavor.
Notes
- You can use store-bought fully-cooked meatballs or make your own ahead of time.
- Simmering uncovered helps the sauce to thicken—if you prefer a thinner sauce, simmer covered or reduce cooking time.
- Serve these BBQ meatballs with toothpicks as a party appetizer or over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a main meal.
- To add smoky depth, try adding a few dashes of liquid smoke or a pinch of cayenne if you like spice.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: BBQ meatballs, quick meatball recipe, party appetizers, skillet meatballs, homemade BBQ sauce
