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Are you looking for a delicious and wholesome meal that combines flavors and textures in perfect harmony? Look no further than Sweet and Smoky BBQ Meatballs paired with Roasted Sweet Potatoes. This recipe features tender, flavorful meatballs infused with a sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, complemented by the natural sweetness and creamy texture of roasted sweet potatoes. Not only does this dish deliver on taste, but it also offers health benefits, particularly from the nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, making it a fantastic choice for any dinner table.

Baked BBQ Meatballs with Sweet Potatoes

Discover the perfect dinner combination with Sweet and Smoky BBQ Meatballs paired with Roasted Sweet Potatoes. These tender meatballs, infused with a rich BBQ sauce, are balanced beautifully by the natural sweetness and creamy texture of roasted sweet potatoes. Both dishes are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them a great choice for a wholesome meal. Elevate your dining experience with this easy and satisfying recipe that everyone will love.

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef (substitute with ground turkey for a lighter version)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (choose between panko or regular)

1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg, beaten

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your choice: store-bought or homemade)

For the Sweet Potatoes:

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

    Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, add the cubed sweet potatoes. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to ensure the sweet potatoes are evenly coated. Spread them out on one half of the prepared baking sheet in a single layer for optimal roasting.

      Make the Meatball Mixture: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix the ingredients gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.

        Form the Meatballs: Use your hands to shape the meat mixture into small balls, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Arrange the meatballs on the other half of the baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking.

          Bake: Place the entire baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. After this time, carefully remove the sheet from the oven and brush the meatballs generously with BBQ sauce to add flavor and a sticky glaze.

            Finish Baking: Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue to bake for another 10-15 minutes. The meatballs should be fully cooked (with an internal temperature of 160°F or 70°C) and the sweet potatoes should be tender and lightly caramelized.

              Serve: Once finished, take the baking sheet out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Arrange the roasted sweet potatoes and BBQ meatballs on a serving platter. If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy this delicious and hearty meal!

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

                  Presentation Tips: For a creative touch, serve the meatballs over a bed of roasted sweet potatoes and drizzle extra BBQ sauce on top. You can also add a side of coleslaw for a refreshing crunch!