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Baked Meatball School Lunch Ideas: Cheesy BBQ Meatball Bites

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Cheesy BBQ Baked Meatball Bites are bite-sized, savory meatballs topped with smoky BBQ sauce and gooey melted mozzarella cheese, making them the perfect quick and tasty lunch option.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (12-16 meatballs)

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (or turkey)

1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for drizzling)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  3. Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
  5. Add BBQ Sauce: After 15 minutes, remove the meatballs from the oven. Brush with BBQ sauce and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return them to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Serve: Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven, let them cool slightly, and serve with extra BBQ sauce drizzled on top.

Notes

Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless substitute for a lighter option.

Try different BBQ sauces for unique flavor profiles.

For a spicy kick, add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.

  • Author: Chloe Mae
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 meatballs
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 21g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg