Tailgate Game Day Smoky BBQ Chipotle Meatballs

Tailgate Game Day Smoky BBQ Chipotle Meatballs

Discover the ultimate game day appetizer - Smoky BBQ Chipotle Meatballs that taste even better at home, perfect for tailgating parties and family gatherings.

πŸ•’ Prep 20 mins | Cook 15 mins | Total 35 mins
🍽 Servings: 6
πŸ”₯ Difficulty: Easy
🌎 Cuisine: American

Allergens

Wheat, Dairy

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp BBQ rub (store
  • bought or homemade)
  • 2 chipotle peppes in adobo sauce, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1/4 cup Chipotle
  • infused ketchup (mix ketchup with 1 tbsp of adobo sauce from the chipotle peppers)
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage for slaw
  • 1/4 cup mayo
  • 1 tbsp vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Wooden skewers or toothpicks

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, BBQ rub, chipotle peppes, salt and pepper. Mix well to incorporate all ingredients. Form into 1 inch meatballs.
  2. Heat your grill or grill pan to medium high heat. Cook the meatballs for about 5 minutes per side or until cooked through, basting with BBQ sauce mixture halfway through cooking. Remove from heat and let rest.
  3. For the slaw, mix shredded cabbage, mayo, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Adjust seasonings to taste.
  4. To serve, place meatballs on a platter with slaw on the side. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with wooden skewers or toothpicks for easy eating.

Chef’s Insight

To add an extra smoky flavor, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using them to prevent burning on the grill.

Notes

For an extra kick, add more chipotle peppers or adobo sauce to the meatball mixture and BBQ sauce.

Cultural or Historical Background

Tailgate parties are a staple of American sporting events, where fans gather before games to socialize and enjoy food and drinks together.