Root Beer Meatballs

Every party needs a crowd-pleaser, and these Root Beer Meatballs deliver. They’re tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a sticky-sweet Root Beer BBQ Sauce that clings to every bite. It’s comfort food meets fun, with flavors bold enough for game day but simple enough to whip up for a weeknight dinner.

The secret, of course, is the sauce. Root beer gives it a natural caramel depth, while ketchup, vinegar, and spices bring tang and smoke. Toss it with homemade or store-bought meatballs, let it simmer until glossy, and you’ve got a dish people can’t stop grabbing with toothpicks.

Yield: About 40 small meatballs — enough for 8–10 as an appetizer or 4–5 as a main dish.

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Quick Recipe Summary

Juicy meatballs simmered in a sweet and smoky Root Beer BBQ Sauce. Perfect for parties, game day, or a hearty dinner.

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

• 2 pounds ground beef (or mix beef & pork)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the sauce:

• 3 cups Root Beer BBQ Sauce (use my homemade recipe for best flavor)

Instructions

1. Make the meatballs: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Shape & bake: Roll mixture into 1-inch balls (about 40). Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
3. Simmer in sauce: Add Root Beer BBQ Sauce to a large skillet or Dutch oven. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add meatballs and stir gently to coat. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until sauce thickens and clings.
4. Serve: Keep warm in a slow cooker for parties, or serve hot over rice or mashed potatoes for dinner.

Notes & Tips

• Shortcut: Frozen meatballs work in a pinch — just simmer longer until heated through.
• Serving style: Add toothpicks for party appetizers, or plate with sides for a family meal.
• Make ahead: Bake meatballs a day in advance, then reheat by simmering in the sauce.
• Flavor twist: Add a splash of hot sauce or extra cayenne if you like heat.
• Helpful Tool: A meatball scoop makes shaping quick and keeps every meatball uniform in size, so they cook evenly and look professional.

Closing Thoughts

Root Beer Meatballs aren’t just fun to eat — they’re reliable. Sweet, smoky, sticky sauce wrapped around tender meatballs never fails to bring people back for seconds.

Whether you’re planning a party, setting up a game-day spread, or just want a playful dinner, this recipe hits the sweet spot. Serve it once and it’ll probably land on your regular rotation.