While we love an excuse to dip mouthfuls of meat into BBQ sauce, our best BBQ meatball recipes are more than just a sauce-to-mouth delivery system. One recipe, from our friend Jimmy at The Smoking Ho, transforms the idea of meatloaf from a sit-down meal to the perfect food for mingling at a party or strolling through a tailgate. Another recipe fills two kinds of smoked meat with melted cheese before a dunk in a BBQ sauce glaze. And then there’s the recipe that’s a classic combo of grape jelly, BBQ sauce, and meat—an aroma that fills the entire house with memories of home, and tastes exactly like you remember.
And that’s just the beginning. Grab some toothpicks, some hungry friends, and plenty of napkins. When it comes to these meatball recipes, there is no such thing as too much sauce.
Slow-Cooker Party Meatballs
Why we love ’em: It’s a beloved secret of slow-cooker cuisine that low-and-slow heat, grape jelly, BBQ sauce, and meat together equals big flavor. Humble ingredients and your favorite plug-in, set-it-and-forget-it cooker team up in this recipe to create juicy mouthfuls that will remind you of home. Serve with toothpicks, and throw on some chopped parsley if you feel like fancying them up.
Head Country BBQ sauce or seasoning used: Head Country Bar-B-Q Sauce, Original
FULL RECIPE: Slow-Cooker Party Meatballs
Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs
Why we love ’em: When cheeseball met meatball. This love story of a recipe will be your new favorite way to stuff your guests while they enjoy the big game. That they’re a cinch to prepare and a fun way to fire up the grill? Those are some serious perks.
Head Country BBQ sauce or seasoning used: Head Country Bar-B-Q Sauce, Original; Head Country Championship Seasoning, Original
FULL RECIPE: Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs
Low-Carb Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Meatballs
Why we love ’em: BBQ meatballs are a long-time kid favorite, and these low-carb, bacon-wrapped bites come together quickly and easily with a few little helpers. Simmer these meaty morsels while you’re at work, or pop them in the oven for the perfect game-day centerpiece.
Head Country BBQ sauce or seasoning used: Head Country Bar-B-Q Sauce, Sugar Free; Head Country Championship Seasoning in Original; Head Country All-Purpose Marinade
FULL RECIPE: Low-Carb Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Meatballs
Smoked Meatloaf Balls
Why we love ’em: We love how these meatballs turn meatloaf from a sit-down meal to a walk-around snack—perfect for parties and game day. The glaze is a mixture of ketchup and our Original sauce, allowed to mingle with smoke in the last few minutes of cooking.
Head Country BBQ sauce or seasoning used: Head Country Bar-B-Q Sauce, Original; Head Country Championship Seasoning, Original
FULL RECIPE: Smoked Meatloaf Balls
Sweet Brown Sugar BBQ Meatballs
Why we love ’em: These meatballs are a classic mix that starts with beef and pork. Pan-fried, they take on a crispy crust while the inside remains juicy and tender. What remains in the pan after the meatballs have cooked is the basis for a sauce that stars sweet brown sugar and our Original sauce. A topping of fresh, chopped chives sets off the caramelized glaze.
Head Country BBQ sauce or seasoning used: Head Country Bar-B-Q Sauce, Original; Head Country Championship Seasoning, Sweet & Spicy
FULL RECIPE: Sweet Brown Sugar BBQ Meatballs
Cranberry BBQ Meatballs
Why we love ’em: With just three ingredients and with almost no hands-on cooking, these meatballs taste just as good as they are easy to whip up. Swap in our Hot & Spicy sauce if you like a bit of heat. Use these to add festive flavor to the appetizer spread at your holiday party, or offer them in a big, saucy bowl for the big game.
Head Country BBQ sauce or seasoning used: Head Country Bar-B-Q Sauce, Original or Hot & Spicy
FULL RECIPE: Cranberry BBQ Meatballs
Bacon Wrapped Meatballs
Why we love ’em: These meatballs are encased in smoked bacon and filled with bubbling colby-jack cheese. Dredge them in your favorite flavor of our sauce, or brush it on while the meatballs are still on the grill and let the sauce set into a sweet-and-savory glaze. Serve with toothpicks, and maybe save the fancy napkins for another time.
Head Country BBQ sauce or seasoning used: Head Country Bar-B-Q Sauce, Original; Head Country Championship Seasoning, Original
FULL RECIPE: Bacon Wrapped Meatballs
