These Awesome Sauce Meatballs are a fun twist on a classic dish! They’re juicy and full of flavor, all smothered in a tangy and sweet sauce that you’ll want to put on everything!
I love making these meatballs when friends come over—they’re so tasty and always a hit. Plus, they are super easy to whip up, so I can spend more time enjoying the company! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: You can use ground beef alone, or mix it with pork for extra flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken work well, too!
Bread Crumbs: Plain breadcrumbs are great, but you can also use panko for an airy texture. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are available for those avoiding gluten.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice cheesy flavor. If you don’t have it, use pecorino or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Ketchup: The base for the Awesome Sauce! If you prefer, you can substitute with a tomato sauce mixed with a little sugar for sweetness.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Tender Meatballs?
Getting that perfect meatball texture is all about mixing and shaping. Start by combining the ingredients gently so they just mix—overmixing can make them tough. When shaping, think golf ball size; this helps them cook evenly.
- Preheat your oven and don’t crowd the meatballs on the baking sheet, allowing them to brown nicely.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness—160°F (70°C) is your target.
Serve these with crusty bread or over pasta for a delightful meal everyone will love!
Awesome Sauce Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mixture of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 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 grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
For the Awesome Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare the meatballs and 15-18 minutes to bake them. Plus, you’ll need about 10 minutes to make the Awesome Sauce. So, you’re looking at a total of around 45-50 minutes for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for cooking the meatballs to get them nicely browned. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, egg, Parmesan cheese, milk, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the meatballs tough!
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs that are about 1.5 inches in diameter, which is roughly the size of a golf ball. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake the meatballs for 15-18 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C).
5. Prepare the Awesome Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, it’s time to whip up that Awesome Sauce! In a medium saucepan, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), salt, and pepper. Stir it well and bring it to simmer over medium heat, making sure the sugar dissolves completely.
6. Coat the Meatballs:
Once your meatballs are done baking, carefully transfer them into the saucepan with the Awesome Sauce, or if you prefer, you can pour the sauce over the meatballs in a large skillet. Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce until they are well coated, then let them simmer together for about 5 minutes to let those flavors mix beautifully!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer the coated meatballs to a serving dish and garnish with extra chopped parsley for a fresh touch. These Awesome Sauce Meatballs are perfect as an appetizer, served over rice, or even enjoyed with crusty bread. Dive in and enjoy the tangy, sweet, and savory goodness!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef and works perfectly in this recipe. Just follow the same steps and enjoy a lighter meatball.
How Should I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can freeze them as well—just make sure they are fully cooled, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll be good for up to 3 months!
Can I Make These Meatballs Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Additionally, check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free or use a substitute to keep it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
What Can I Substitute for the Ketchup in the Sauce?
If you don’t have ketchup on hand, you can use tomato sauce mixed with a bit of sugar to achieve a similar sweet and tangy flavor. Just add the sugar to taste to get it right!
