Juicy Grilled Meatballs Recipe

 Smoky, juicy, and bursting with savory goodness, grilled meatballs are a delicious twist on a timeless favorite. Made with seasoned ground beef, lamb, chicken, or a combination, these meatballs are shaped into bite-sized portions and cooked over open flame or on a grill for that irresistible charred exterior and tender, flavorful inside. Served with rice, salad, warm pita, or your favorite dipping sauce, grilled meatballs are perfect for barbecues, family dinners, or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Cooking Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the milk.
2. Add the ground meat, lightly beaten egg, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese (if using), dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the bowl with the breadcrumb mixture.
3. Using clean hands (or a sturdy spoon), gently mix all the ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

1. Roll the meat mixture into uniform balls, about 1 ½ - 2 inches (4-5 cm) in diameter. You should get approximately 18-24 meatballs.
2. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Thread 3-4 meatballs onto each skewer, leaving a little space between them for even cooking.

Step 3: Prepare the Grill

1. Preheat your grill (gas or charcoal) to medium-high heat.
2. Once hot, clean the grill grates thoroughly with a wire brush.
3. Lightly oil the clean grates by dipping a paper towel in olive oil and rubbing it over the grates using tongs. This helps prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill the Meatballs

1. Place the meatballs directly on the oiled grill grates. If using skewers, place the skewers perpendicular to the grates.
2. Grill for a total of 8-15 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until the meatballs are browned and charred evenly on all sides, and cooked through to your desired doneness.
3. For meat safety, ensure the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 71°C (160°F) for ground beef/lamb, or 74°C (165°F) for ground chicken/turkey. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the thickest part of a meatball.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Once cooked, remove the grilled meatballs from the grill and transfer them to a plate.
2. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping them tender.
3. Serve the Juicy Grilled Meatballs hot. They are fantastic on their own, with a side of your favorite BBQ sauce or dipping sauce, or nestled in a sub roll.

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Extra Tips for Perfect Grilled Meatballs

• Don't Overmix: This is the golden rule for tender meatballs. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Even Size: Try to make all meatballs roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
• Grill Basket: If you're worried about meatballs falling through the grates or sticking, a grill basket or grill pan can be very helpful.
• Flavor Variations:
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
• Smoky: Use smoked paprika in place of sweet paprika.
• Mediterranean: Add a pinch of dried mint and a little grated lemon zest.

Benefits

• ✅ High in Protein: A satisfying and hearty protein source perfect for balanced meals.
• ✅ Grilled for Healthier Cooking: Less oil is used when grilling, reducing excess fat while enhancing flavor.
• ✅ Versatile Ingredients: Easily made with beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives.
• ✅ Great for Meal Prep: Can be made in advance, frozen, and reheated without losing texture or taste.
• ✅ Family and Kid-Friendly: Serve on skewers, in wraps, or with pasta — loved by both adults and kids.

Grilled meatballs are more than just a tasty protein — they’re a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, planning a quick weeknight meal, or looking for a fun party appetizer, these juicy grilled bites bring the perfect balance of taste and texture to the table.