Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 cup ground beef (or other ground meat)
- 1 tablespoon barbecue seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Barbecue Sauce Mix
- ⅓ cup sugar-free barbecue sauce
- ⅓ cup Italian dressing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Season Meat: In a bowl, combine the barbecue seasoning, black pepper, and salt with the ground beef. Mix well to distribute the spices evenly throughout the meat.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the egg, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese to the seasoned ground beef. Knead the mixture with your hands until all ingredients are well combined.
- Form Meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch-sized balls and place them onto a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Sauce: In a separate small bowl, mix the sugar-free barbecue sauce and Italian dressing together until smooth and well blended.
- Apply Initial Sauce Layer: Spoon a small amount of the barbecue sauce mixture on top of each meatball before placing them in the oven.
- Bake First Session: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.
- Add Additional Sauce: Remove the meatballs briefly from the oven and spoon a larger amount of the barbecue sauce mixture over each meatball.
- Bake Second Session: Increase the oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and return the meatballs to the oven. Bake for an additional 10 minutes until fully cooked and the sauce is caramelized.
- Serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven and serve hot, either with leftover Italian barbecue sauce or as an appetizer with toothpicks.
Notes
- Use parchment paper or foil-lined baking sheets for easy cleanup.
- Make sure to mix the barbecue seasoning and spices thoroughly with the meat for even flavor.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork as preferred.
- Adjust the size of the meatballs depending on desired serving portions and cooking time.
- For extra flavor, garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley before serving.
- Ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F for safe consumption.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb