Oven Baked BBQ Meatballs
I mentioned a few weeks ago that for the month of January I plan on having the theme of “Double Dinners” for all of my blog posts. To kick things off is this recipe for Oven Baked BBQ Meatballs.
I first learned about the term “Double Dinners” from an episode of The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond.
The idea behind “Double Dinners” is not anything new to my house. It has been something we have done for years.
“Double Dinners” is a concept of making one big dish. Freezing half of the meal to be used at a later (more hectic) time and baking the other for dinner tonight.
In essence making two dinners. One for now. One for later!
Make ahead freezer meals are a wonderful resource to have on hand.
We all have hectic lives that are busy and seem to be going every direction at the same time.
It is so easy to just answer the question, “What’s for Dinner?”, by swinging through a local fast food chain or having hot dogs with macaroni and cheese.
I’m not judging those options, because I have been there.
Don’t think I haven’t said yes to the super-sizing my order or dumping my favorite blue box of cheesy goodness into a pot of boiling water.
But having an arsenal of meals ready to go, just waiting in your freezer, is a wonderful option.
This recipe for Oven Baked BBQ Meatballs, is just the one to kick off your “Double Dinners” excursion.
Tender baked beef meatballs are coated in a thick and sweet homemade barbecue sauce.
As the sauce cooks, it thickens and is the perfect accompaniment to the meatballs.
Serve with mashed potatoes and mixed veggies for a complete and delicious meal for your family.
Oven Baked BBQ Meatballs
This easy recipe for Oven Baked BBQ Meatballs is the best freezer meal idea for double dinners or potlucks. Freezer meals make ahead recipes with list.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 2 cups Saltine Crackers, finely crushed about one sleeve of crackers
- 1 can (12 oz) Evaporated Milk
- 2 Eggs, slightly beaten
- 2 lbs Ground Beef
- 1/2 cup Onion, chopped
- 2 tsp Salt
- 2 tsp Chili Powder
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
BBQ Sauce
- 2 cups Ketchup
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup Onion, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp Liquid Smoke, optional
Instructions
Meatballs
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In a large bowl, pour the evaporated milk and beaten eggs over the crushed crackers. Stir to combine.
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Add in ground beef, onion, salt, chili powder, and pepper. Mix to combine.
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Form the meat mixture into 1 1/2 to 2 inch balls.
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Place meatballs onto a large baking sheet. Bake meatballs at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until browned.
BBQ Sauce
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In a small saucepan; combine ketchup, brown sugar, chopped onion, and liquid smoke.
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Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
To Prepare
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Divide the baked meatballs in half between two baking pans (I use 9×13 inch).
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Spoon the bbq sauce over the meatballs, dividing it between the two baking pans.
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Cover one of the baking pans with aluminum foil. Write the following instructions on the foil:
Oven Baked BBQ Meatballs
__/__/__ (Date)
*Thaw Overnight in the Fridge
*Bake uncovered at 350°F for 20-30 minutes
Place prepared baking pan in the freezer for a meal at a later time.
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With the second baking pan, place in a preheated oven set at 350°F. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until meatballs are heated and sauce is thick and bubbling.
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