Smoked BBQ Meatballs on a Pellet Grill

Easy Recipe Guide for Smoky, Juicy, BBQ Meatballs from the Pellet Grill

This isn’t your average meatball recipe—these smoked BBQ meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and packed with backyard BBQ goodness thanks to the Z Grills 700D3 pellet smoker. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for game day, this recipe brings the perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and savory to your plate.

Cooking for someone who avoids gluten? I made these with gluten-free panko and almond milk, and my gluten free meatballs post covers breadcrumb swaps and a 20-minute oven version.

• Simple, crowd-pleasing ingredients
• Perfect technique for pellet smoker success
• Tips for sauce, smoke, and serving

Let’s get started!

Why Make This Smoked Meatball Recipe?

Smoking meatballs gives you a totally different flavor profile from traditional oven-baked or pan-fried versions. With the Z Grills 700D3, you can dial in that perfect low-and-slow temperature, infusing every bite with real wood-fired taste.

• Smoky flavor that elevates your usual meatball game
• Ideal for meal prep, BBQs, and leftovers
• Easy to customize with your favorite sauces or rubs

Ingredients for Making the Best BBQ Meatballs

Meat

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
• 1 lb ground pork (adds fat and flavor)

Produce

• 1 small sweet onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Binders & Flavor

• 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (used Gluten Free in this recipe)
• 1/2 cup milk (used Almond milk in this recipe)
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp Bear & Burton’s W Sauce (or substitute any Worcestershire sauce)
• 1 tbsp Chipotle Dijon mustard

Rubs & Seasoning

• 2 tbsp Anytime Seasoning (or your favorite SPG rub)
• 2 tbsp Backyard Blaze (or your favorite Sweet Heat rub)

Sauce (for glaze)

• 1 cup Bourbon BBQ sauce (sweet, tangy & smoky preferred)
• 1 tbsp honey

Best Wood Pellets to Use

For the best smoke flavor that complements the meat:

• Hickory – For bold, rich BBQ flavor
• Cherry – Adds a sweet, subtle fruitiness
• Oak – Balanced, classic wood flavor great for meatballs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Meatballs (15 minutes)

• In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients: beef, pork, Panko breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, W Sauce or Worcestershire, mustard, and seasonings.
• Mix gently by hand until just combined—don’t overmix.
• Form meatballs roughly 1.5″ in diameter and place on cooling rack for easy transport.
• PRO TIP:  Use a small ice cream scoop for easy measuring.

Step 2: Preheat Your Z Grills Pellet Smoker (10 minutes)

• Load the hopper full of pellets, for this recipe I am using Oak.
• Replace foil liner on drip pan.
• Preheat the Z Grills 700D3 to 250°F using your preferred pellets, I’m using Oak in this recipe.

Step 3: Smoke the Meatballs (60–75 minutes)

• Place the meatballs inside the smoker on your wire cooling rack.
• Smoke for about 1 hour or until internal temperature hits 155°F.
• While smoking, make BBQ glaze mixture with Rock’s Bourbon BBQ sauce and Honey.
• Brush meatballs with the BBQ glaze mixture and cook for another 10–15 minutes until internal temp hits 165°F.

Step 4: Rest & Serve (5 minutes)

• Remove meatballs from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes.
• Serve with toothpicks, over mashed potatoes, or inside sub rolls!

Key Recipe Steps (Quick Summary)

• Combine beef, pork, and flavorful mix-ins
• Smoke at 250°F on the Z Grills 700D3
• Glaze with sweet BBQ sauce at the end
• Cook to 165°F internal temperature
• Rest and serve hot for max juiciness

Pro Tips

1. Use a wire rack to help the smoke circulate evenly around the meatballs and keep them from getting soggy.
2. Don’t overmix the meat mixture—gentle hands lead to tender bites.
3. Use an Ice Cream scoop for each portioning of meatballs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can prep the meatballs a day before and smoke them when ready, or smoke and reheat later.

Q: What internal temperature should I aim for?

A: Cook until the internal temp reaches 165°F for safe and juicy meatballs.

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?

A: Yes, but use dark meat for better fat content, and consider adding more moisture (like an extra egg or splash of broth).

Q: What’s the best way to reheat them?

A: Reheat on a smoker at 250°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave with a splash of sauce.

Q: Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce or different rubs?

A: Absolutely—create your own flavor profile with your favorite rubs, or pick a sauce that’s sweet and tangy.  Heck make your own twist with honey and hot sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to impress at your next BBQ, these smoked meatballs are a game-changer. Juicy, smoky, and bursting with flavor, they’re the perfect bite-sized BBQ snack—or full-on meal.

Ready to try it? Fire up your Z Grills 700D3 and roll smoke!

Want to try more recipes?

• Smoked Iberico Presa Burnt Ends
• Traeger Sheet Pan Nachos