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Barbecued Meatballs from Ellen M. Prince
These classic Barbecued Meat Balls offer the hearty, comforting flavor of homemade meatballs combined with a tangy, slightly sweet sauce. Ideal for potlucks or Sunday dinners, this dish was popular in mid-20th-century American kitchens for its use of pantry staples like canned milk, oats, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. The recipe is practical and economical, creating moist and flavorful meatballs that are browned then baked in a rich homemade sauce. It’s a perfect representation of timeless home-cooked meals.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

Meatballs:

  • 1½ lb ground chuck
  • 1 cup canned milk
  • ¾ cup dry oats
  • 3 tbsp onion (minced )
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Sauce:

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 tbsp vinegar
  • ½ cup hot water
  • 2 tbsp white sugar
  • 6 tbsp onion (minced )

Instructions
 

Step 1: Mix Ingredients

  • Combine ground chuck, canned milk, oats, 3 tbsp minced onion, and salt & pepper.
  • Mix thoroughly until milk is absorbed.

Step 2: Form Meatballs

  • Using cold water to dampen your fingertips, shape the mixture into meatballs.

Step 3: Brown Meatballs

  • Fry slowly over medium heat for about 10 minutes until browned on all sides.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

  • Transfer meatballs to a baking dish or ovenproof pan.

Step 5: Make Sauce

  • In a bowl, combine ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, hot water, sugar, and 6 tbsp minced onion.
  • Pour the sauce over the browned meatballs.

Step 6: Bake

  • Bake at 350°F for 1 hour.

Tips

  • Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
  • Add minced garlic for deeper flavor in both meat and sauce.
  • Replace ketchup with BBQ sauce for a smokier taste.
  • Add a splash of liquid smoke to the sauce.
  • Use rolled oats or breadcrumbs interchangeably.
  • Form smaller meatballs for party appetizers.
  • Add chopped green pepper to the sauce for extra flavor.
  • Use a cast iron skillet for a better sear before baking.
  • Make ahead and refrigerate overnight; flavors improve.
  • Freeze baked meatballs and reheat in sauce for easy meals.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 14gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 609mgPotassium: 367mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 126IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 37mgIron: 3mg
Keyword comfort food, family dinner, heirloom recipe, homemade sauce, meatballs, old-fashioned cooking, retro recipe, vintage recipe
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