Barbecue Peach Meatballs: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Recipe

Barbecue Peach Meatballs are a delightful fusion of sweet and savory that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your next gathering. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs coated in a luscious barbecue sauce infused with the sweetness of ripe peaches. This dish not only brings a burst of flavor but also carries a rich history, as it combines traditional barbecue techniques with the vibrant fruitiness often found in Southern cuisine. People love Barbecue Peach Meatballs for their unique taste and texture; the combination of smoky barbecue and juicy peaches creates a mouthwatering experience that is both comforting and exciting. Plus, they are incredibly convenient to prepare, making them a perfect choice for busy weeknights or festive occasions. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 cup fresh peaches, diced (or canned peaches, drained)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Meatballs

Let’s start by preparing the meatballs. This is the heart of the dish, and I love how the combination of beef and pork creates a juicy texture.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. I like to use a mix of meats for added flavor and moisture.
2. Add the breadcrumbs to the meat mixture. This will help bind the meatballs and keep them from falling apart during cooking.
3. Next, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. It adds a lovely umami flavor that complements the meat perfectly.
4. Finely chop the onion and add it to the bowl. The onion will add moisture and sweetness to the meatballs.
5. Minced garlic goes in next. I always use fresh garlic for the best flavor, but you can use garlic powder if that’s what you have on hand.
6. Crack the egg into the mixture. This acts as a binder, helping to hold everything together.
7. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano. These spices will give the meatballs a wonderful depth of flavor.
8. Using your hands, mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
9. Once mixed, I like to form the meatballs into about 1-inch balls. You should get around 20-24 meatballs from this mixture.

Cooking the Meatballs

Now that we have our meatballs ready, it’s time to cook them. You can bake or pan-fry them, but I prefer baking for a healthier option.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help the meatballs brown nicely.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
3. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced out evenly. This allows them to cook evenly and brown nicely.
4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
5. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the barbecue peach sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the barbecue sauce and diced peaches. If you’re using fresh peaches, make sure they are ripe for the best flavor.
6. Heat the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is warmed through and the peaches have softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Assembling the Dish

Once the meatballs are cooked and the sauce is ready, it’s time to bring everything together.

1. Remove the meatballs from the oven and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
2. Pour the warm barbecue peach sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are well-coated. I love to use a spatula to gently toss them, ensuring every meatball is covered in that delicious sauce.
3. Let the meatballs sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors of the sauce. This step is crucial for maximizing the taste!
4. While the meatballs are resting, you can prepare your serving dish. I like to use a large platter or individual bowls for a more personal touch.
5. Transfer the meatballs to the serving dish,

   Conclusion:

   In summary, these Barbecue Peach Meatballs are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their dinner game with a unique and delicious twist. The combination of sweet peaches and savory barbecue sauce creates a flavor explosion that is sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, they are incredibly versatile! You can serve them as an appetizer at your next gathering, toss them into a salad for a refreshing lunch, or even pair them with rice or quinoa for a hearty dinner. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider experimenting with different types of barbecue sauces or adding a hint of spice with jalapeños or sriracha for a kick. You could also swap out the ground meat for turkey or plant-based alternatives to cater to different dietary preferences. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your own! Once you’ve whipped up a batch of these delightful Barbecue Peach Meatballs, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, variations, or even a photo of your creation! Let’s spread the joy of cooking together and make mealtime a little more exciting. Happy cooking! Print
   

   Barbecue Peach Meatballs: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Recipe

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   • Author: Maria
   • Total Time: 40 minutes
   • Yield: 20–24 meatballs 1x

   Print Recipe

   Pin Recipe

   Description

   Juicy meatballs made with a blend of ground beef and pork, baked to perfection and coated in a sweet and tangy barbecue peach sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends!

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   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 1 pound ground beef
   • 1/2 pound ground pork
   • 1 cup breadcrumbs
   • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
   • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • 1 large egg
   • 1 teaspoon salt
   • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
   • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
   • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
   • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
   • 1 cup barbecue sauce
   • 1 cup fresh peaches, diced (or canned peaches, drained)
   • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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   Instructions

   1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork.
   2. Add the breadcrumbs to the meat mixture.
   3. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese.
   4. Finely chop the onion and add it to the bowl.
   5. Add minced garlic to the mixture.
   6. Crack the egg into the mixture.
   7. Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano.
   8. Mix everything together until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
   9. Form the mixture into about 1-inch meatballs (20-24 total).
   10. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   11. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
   12. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly.
   13. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F/70°C).
   14. In a medium saucepan, combine the barbecue sauce and diced peaches.
   15. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through and peaches have softened (about 5-7 minutes).
   16. Remove the meatballs from the oven and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
   17. Pour the warm barbecue peach sauce over the meatballs and gently toss to coat.
   18. Let the meatballs sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
   19. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

   Notes

   • Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences.
   • You can also substitute the ground pork with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
   • If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or the barbecue sauce.

   • Prep Time: 15 minutes
   • Cook Time: 25 minutes