The Smoked Stuffed BBQ Meatballs are the ultimate indulgence for meat lovers who crave a smoky twist to their meals. These juicy beef meatballs are packed with bold BBQ flavor, slow-smoked to perfection, and filled with melty mozzarella at the center. The smoking process infuses them with a rich, wood-fired aroma, while the BBQ glaze adds a sticky, caramelized finish that’s impossible to resist.
Whether served as a main course, appetizer, or finger food at your next gathering, these meatballs are guaranteed to be the first thing to disappear from the table. They’re hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor in every bite. Serve with extra BBQ sauce or alongside a creamy dip for the ultimate game-day or backyard BBQ dish. Best enjoyed hot off the smoker with your favorite summer sides.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1½ pounds ground beef (80/20)
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1 cup breadcrumbs
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2 eggs
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½ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for basting)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat smoker to 250°F (121°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
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Scoop out portions of the mixture and form into balls around a cube of mozzarella, sealing the cheese inside.
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Place meatballs on a smoker rack or grill-safe tray.
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Smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), basting with extra BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes for a sticky glaze.
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Remove from smoker and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour 45 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours
Kcal: 340 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Smoked Stuffed BBQ Meatballs are more than just a cookout appetizer they’re an explosion of flavor wrapped in smoky goodness and oozing with creamy cheese. These meatballs are a show-stopping fusion of traditional barbecue and comfort food, making them a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors, juicy textures, and that unmistakable aroma of wood-fired smoke. Whether you’re planning a backyard get-together, a game day party, or just a weeknight indulgence, these meatballs are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love These BBQ Meatballs
This dish has all the makings of a crowd-pleaser. Smoky, juicy, cheesy, and sweet-savory from the BBQ glaze, these meatballs check every box. They’re handheld and versatile, working perfectly as appetizers, main courses, or even sliders. The contrast between the smokiness from the grill or smoker, the gooey mozzarella inside, and the sticky BBQ coating on the outside makes for an irresistible bite.
Smoked Stuffed BBQ Meatballs also offer a touch of surprise: that molten center of cheese tucked inside each meatball provides a delightful texture and flavor variation. Guests will love biting into these and discovering that rich, melted core.
The Perfect Balance of Flavor and Texture
The meatball mixture itself is seasoned generously with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and BBQ sauce. These seasonings add depth, but the real magic happens in the smoker. Slow-cooking the meatballs over wood chips allows them to absorb a complex smoky flavor while staying moist on the inside and forming a caramelized, crispy crust on the outside.
The melted mozzarella inside adds richness and creates a luscious contrast against the smoky, spiced exterior. The final glaze of extra BBQ sauce during the smoking process adds a sticky-sweet finish that seals in the moisture and enhances every bite.
Great for Entertaining or Game Day
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is for different occasions. Hosting a game-day party? Serve these meatballs as a finger food alongside toothpicks or skewers. Planning a summer BBQ? Make them part of your grilled meat spread. Looking for a creative dinner idea? Serve them over mashed potatoes or stuffed into a hoagie roll for a smoked meatball sub.
You can easily double or triple the batch depending on your crowd. These meatballs also hold up well if you make them in advance, making them ideal for prepping ahead and smoking right before serving.
Make It Your Own: Customization Options
The base recipe uses ground beef and mozzarella, but there are plenty of variations you can try:
- Protein swaps: Use ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a dietary variation.
- Cheese options: Mozzarella is the classic choice for its stretch and meltability, but you can try pepper jack, cheddar, gouda, or even blue cheese for more bold flavor.
- BBQ sauces: Sweet and smoky BBQ sauce is traditional, but you can experiment with spicy, mustard-based, or even fruit-infused BBQ sauces.
- Spices: Play with cumin, chipotle, or chili flakes if you want a kick of heat.
What Kind of Wood Chips Work Best
If you’re using a smoker, your choice of wood chips will significantly affect the final flavor. For beef meatballs, bold woods like hickory, mesquite, or oak offer strong smoke that complements the richness of the meat. If you want something a little milder, apple or cherry wood will lend a sweet and fruity profile that pairs beautifully with BBQ glaze and cheese.
Tips for the Perfect Smoked Meatballs
- Don’t overmix the meat. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense or tough. Mix just until combined for the most tender texture.
- Seal the cheese well. Make sure the mozzarella cubes are fully enclosed in meat to prevent leaking.
- Use a rack or grill pan. This ensures even smoke distribution and keeps the meatballs from sticking.
- Baste for flavor. Brushing with BBQ sauce toward the end of smoking locks in moisture and adds a sticky caramelized finish.
Nutritional and Dietary Notes
These meatballs are hearty, protein-rich, and filling. They’re low in carbs if you skip the breadcrumbs or use keto alternatives, and they can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and sauce. Want to go low-fat? Use leaner meats like turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian option, try a plant-based meat substitute and a vegan cheese.
Each serving is packed with protein and flavor, making them a satisfying option whether served alone or as part of a larger meal.
Pairing Suggestions
These BBQ meatballs are bold and smoky, so they pair well with sides that balance and refresh. Consider:
- Crispy coleslaw for a crunchy, tangy contrast.
- Grilled corn on the cob with lime and chili powder.
- Macaroni and cheese for ultimate comfort.
- Roasted or grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
- Cornbread or slider buns if serving as part of a sandwich.
To drink, go with a smoky bourbon cocktail, an IPA, or a robust red wine like zinfandel or shiraz. For a non-alcoholic option, iced tea with lemon or a sparkling lemonade works beautifully.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
These meatballs are great for meal prep and can be made ahead of time. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes or until heated through. You can also freeze them either cooked or uncooked. Just be sure to wrap them tightly and use within 2–3 months.
To reheat frozen meatballs, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking or smoking again.
Perfect for All Skill Levels
Whether you’re a BBQ novice or a seasoned grill master, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. It requires just a few basic techniques: mixing, forming meatballs, and smoking. If you don’t have a smoker, you can achieve similar results on a grill using indirect heat and a smoker box or foil pouch with wood chips.
The results are worth every minute of cooking time your house will smell amazing, and your guests will rave about the flavor.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Meatball Upgrade
Smoked Stuffed BBQ Meatballs are a next-level version of a familiar comfort food. They take the humble meatball and elevate it with layers of flavor from smoky aromatics to gooey cheese to sweet BBQ glaze. The result is a dish that feels festive, indulgent, and utterly satisfying.
Whether served at a summer cookout, holiday party, or weeknight dinner, these meatballs are sure to become a repeat favorite. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and absolutely unforgettable. Once you try them, plain meatballs will never be enough again.
If you’re looking for a recipe that combines backyard BBQ flair with cheesy comfort food indulgence, Smoked Stuffed BBQ Meatballs are your answer. Try them once, and you’ll be hooked!