Party Guests Will Love This Barbecue-Glazed Meatballs Recipe — Ready in 25 Minutes

Grated zucchini stirred is the secret to these moist and juicy bites

Summer parties just got a healthy upgrade with this oven-baked barbecue-glazed meatballs recipe. It’s a delicious and protein-packed appetizer that’s surprisingly simple to make in 25 minutes. Ditching the frying pan for the oven keeps things healthy and mess-free. The key ingredient? Shredded zucchini! Not only does this budget-friendly addition stretch the ground beef, but it also sneaks in some extra vitamins and moisture. And no, without affecting the taste or texture. The protein-rich meatball mixture mixes with a sweet, smoky and utterly addictive barbecue glaze, elevating them to a whole new level of flavor.

Experiment with different barbecue sauce flavors like sriracha for a kick or chipotle for a smoky touch, making this barbecue-glazed meatballs recipe a crowd-pleasing and healthy option for any occasion. You can also choose a leaner ground meat like turkey. For more healthy meatball recipes, try out Air Fryer Meatballs and Asian Turkey Meatballs.

• 1 lb. meatloaf mix or ground beef
• 2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
• 1 (9 oz.) zucchini, grated, squeezed dry
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce + additional (optional)
• 1 egg
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 Tbs. thinly sliced scallions

Instructions

• Heat oven to 400°F. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. In bowl, combine meatloaf mix, breadcrumbs, zucchini, 1/4 cup barbecue sauce, egg, garlic and pepper flakes. Divide mixture into 18 portions; using wet hands, shape into balls.

• Place 2” apart on parchment on baking sheets. Brush with 1/4 cup barbecue sauce. Bake until glazed and no longer pink in centers, about 15 min. Transfer to serving platter; sprinkle with scallions. If desired, in microwave-safe bowl, microwave additional barbecue sauce until warmed and serve with meatballs for dipping.

Nutrition

• Calories: 247 kcal
• Fat: 11 gram
• Saturated Fat: 4 gram
• Protein: 17 gram
• Carbohydrate: 18 gram
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Cholesterol: 80 mg
• Sugar: 9 gram
• Sodium: 359 mg