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BBQ Pork Meatballs with Cheesy Grits Recipe

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4.4 from 33 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Delicious and hearty BBQ meatballs paired with creamy, cheesy grits make for a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe features savory pork meatballs baked to perfection and coated in tangy BBQ sauce, served over rich, buttery cheddar grits.

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1 lb. ground pork ($3.49)
  • 1 large egg ($0.21)
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs ($0.07)
  • 2 Tbsp BBQ sauce, divided ($0.54 total)
  • 1/2 tsp salt ($0.02)
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika ($0.05)
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder ($0.02)

Cheese Grits

  • 2 cups chicken broth ($0.26)
  • 2 cups milk ($1.25)
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder ($0.02)
  • 1 cup quick cooking grits ($0.49)
  • 1/4 tsp salt ($0.02)
  • 2 Tbsp butter ($0.18)
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper ($0.02)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar ($1.15)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground pork, egg, breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce, salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly until well incorporated.
  3. Form Meatballs: Shape the pork mixture into 16 equal-sized meatballs, roughly the size of ping pong balls. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they are browned on the outside and cooked through internally.
  5. Prepare Grits Base: While the meatballs bake, combine chicken broth, milk, and garlic powder in a medium saucepan. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching at the bottom.
  6. Cook Grits: Once boiling, stir in quick cooking grits and salt. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes until thickened, stirring frequently to avoid lumps.
  7. Add Butter and Cheese: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in butter and freshly cracked black pepper. Gradually fold in shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring continuously until fully melted and smooth.
  8. Coat Meatballs with BBQ Sauce: When meatballs are finished baking, transfer them to a clean bowl. Pour the remaining BBQ sauce over them and gently stir to coat evenly. If the sauce is cold, heat the sauced meatballs over low heat in a saucepan for a few minutes until warmed through.
  9. Serve: Spoon about one cup of the creamy cheese grits into each serving bowl. Top with four BBQ-coated meatballs and a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce. Enjoy your hearty, comforting meal!

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef or turkey for pork if preferred.
  • Quick cooking grits reduce prep time, but stone-ground grits can be used for a heartier texture—just allow for longer cooking.
  • For spicier BBQ sauce, choose a smoky chipotle or add a pinch of cayenne to the meatball mixture.
  • Leftover meatballs and grits reheat well on the stovetop or microwave.
  • To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://saraflavors.com/bbq-pork-meatballs-with-cheesy-grits-recipe/