If you love classic meatballs but want to take them to the next level, this smoked meatball recipe is about to become your new favorite. Picture juicy, tender meatballs infused with a deep, smoky flavor that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re cooking on a Traeger, a gas or charcoal grill, or even in the oven, this recipe has you covered!
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Why You’ll Love This Smoked Meatball Recipe
Big, bold flavor – That perfect blend of seasonings and smoky goodness.
Super versatile – Serve them as an appetizer, over spaghetti, or in a meatball sub.
Easy to make – Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and amazing results.
Smoker or oven-friendly – No smoker? No problem! I’ll show you how to get great results in the oven too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of pantry staples to make these delicious smoked meatballs:
- 2 lb. ground chuck (or a mix of ground beef and ground pork)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion (adds great flavor)
- 1 cup plain bread crumbs (helps hold everything together)
- 1 large egg (for binding)
- 1/2 cup milk (keeps the meatballs moist)
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce (for that umami boost)
- 1/4 cup ketchup (adds a slight sweetness)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
How to Make Smoked Meatballs
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently—overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
Step 2: Roll into Meatballs
Using a large cookie scoop or your hands, roll the mixture into 2-inch meatballs. Keeping them uniform in size ensures even cooking.
Step 3: Smoke the Meatballs
If using a smoker, preheat it to 225°F (or use the smoke setting if your grill has one). Place the meatballs directly on the grill grates and smoke for about 1 hour to infuse them with that irresistible smoky flavor.
Step 4: Grill to Finish
After smoking, increase the temperature to 375°F and grill the meatballs for 10-15 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. This gives them a beautifully browned exterior while keeping them juicy inside.
No Smoker? Bake or Grill Instead!
If you don’t have a smoker, you can still make this smoked meatball recipe with amazing results:
🔥 Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
🔥 Gas or Charcoal Grill: Set up for indirect heat and grill the meatballs until they hit 165°F, turning occasionally for even cooking.
Serving Ideas
Now that your smoked meatballs are hot off the grill, here are some tasty ways to enjoy them:
🍝 Classic Spaghetti & Meatballs – Toss with marinara sauce and serve over pasta.
🥖 Meatball Subs – Load them into a toasted hoagie roll with melted cheese.
🧀 Appetizers – Serve them with toothpicks and a side of BBQ or marinara sauce.
How to Store & Reheat Smoked Meatballs
Leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store and reheat your smoked meatballs:
🧊 Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
❄️ Freeze: Place cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
🔥 Reheat: Warm them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or microwave in short bursts until heated through.
Now that you know how to make the best smoked meatball recipe, it’s time to fire up that smoker and give it a try! Let me know in the comments how you served yours—I love hearing your delicious
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Smoked Meatball Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground chuck
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup plain bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 Tbsp worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup or tomato sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Turn smoker on to smoke setting. (see post above for grilling or oven option)
- In a large mixing bowl combine the ground chuck, chopped onion, bread crumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Combine just until mixed. Do not over mix.
- Once your ingredients are mixed, form the mixture into 2-inch round meatballs.