There’s a big game coming up in a few Sundays (I’ll let you do the math!) which makes it the perfect time to share my Honey-Balsamic BBQ Meatballs. These sticky, sassy, scrumptious meatballs are gluten free, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing!
Mini meatballs are held together with cooked quinoa instead of bread crumbs to make them gluten-free, then are coated in a sticky, sweet-tart homemade Honey-Balsamic BBQ Sauce. Like I said, they’re a little tangy, a little sweet, and the cooked quinoa in the meat mixture gives them a great texture. Keep the two-bite-sized meatballs warm in a saucepan on the stove, or in a crock pot set to warm.
Start by making a batch of thick and sticky homemade Honey-Balsamic BBQ Sauce, which is super easy to make. In a small saucepan combine balsamic vinegar, honey, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, salt, and pepper then bring to a boil. Lower the heat then simmer for 45 minutes. As it simmers, the BBQ sauce will thicken and sweeten – YUM.
Meanwhile, rinse 1/3 cup uncooked quinoa then cook it in 2/3 cup water for 10 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed. Fluff it with a fork then cool slightly.
Combine the cooked quinoa with 1 whisked egg, 1/2 grated small onion, 2 microplaned or minced garlic cloves, and lots of salt and pepper.
Finally add 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary then mix everything together.
Add 1lb lean ground beef then mix with your hands and separate into eight wedges.
Form three meatballs out of each wedge, placing them on a cooling rack sprayed VERY well with nonstick spray, set atop a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-17 minutes at 400 degrees.
Finally, add the meatballs to the Honey-Balsamic BBQ Sauce then turn the heat down to low to keep warm. Alternatively, you could add the meatballs and sauce to a crock pot set to “warm”. Set out tooth picks to pluck the meatballs from the tangy sauce with then enjoy!
I know “homemade BBQ sauce” can sometimes sound scary or intimidating, but this sauce is incredibly easy to make, thick, sticky, and sweet. Absolutely delicious. Enjoy!
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