Smoked Meatballs, loaded with garlic and tangy parmesan cheese, are a go-to recipe anytime!

Meatballs are a favorite entree or appetizer for good reason. Whether formed into bite sized morsels perfect for dipping and dunking, or made into larger meatballs that sit on top a heaping platter of spaghetti, meatballs are delicious! And smoking them just enhances their flavor even more! This simple recipe combines the flavors of garlic and parmesan cheese with lean ground beef, and is held together using egg and panko crumbs. Cooked on a smoker until perfectly tender, juicy and infused with smoky flavor, these meatballs taste amazing!

close up of cooked Smoked Meatballs

Savory Smoked Meatballs

  • Easy to mix up, and easy to cook, this smoked meatballs recipe is definitely a keeper!
  • Make a double batch and freeze for future meatball hero sandwiches, spaghetti and meatballs, or just as fancy appies!
  • Low-carb smoked meatballs are always welcome at parties, potlucks, and picnics! Serve as is or with an easy side of ranch or blue cheese dressing!

beef , parmesan , parsley , egg , garlic , Panko and water to make Smoked Meatballs with labels

Ingredients & Variations

BEEF: Choose an 80/20 blend of ground beef since that bit of extra fat will make it juicier. Or use a combination of pork, turkey or Italian sausage with the ground beef.

SEASONINGS: Parmesan cheese adds a ton of tangy flavor to smoked meatballs but finely grated mozzarella or even small crumbles of feta or bleu cheese will work. Spice up those meatballs and experiment with a simple dash of liquid smoke, paprika, cayenne pepper, or a DIY chili seasoning, jerk seasoning, or even a Tex-Mex fajita flair.

process of adding ingredients together to make Smoked Meatballs

How to Smoke Meatballs

  1. Preheat the pellet smoker to 300°F (as per recipe below).
  2. Mix Panko and water and allow to rest. Add remaining ingredients in order given.
  3. Mix until just combined and shape into meatballs
  4. Smoke meatballs until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. 

Serve with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce.

Smoked Meatballs before cooking

Tips for Smoking Meatballs

  • It’s important to soak the Panko in water so that it expands, making the meatballs light and tender.
  • Avoid over-mixing the meat mixture, or the meatballs may get dense and tough.
  • Make meatballs any size you like, as long as they are uniform and the cooked temperature reaches 165°F before they’re removed from the smoker. Let them rest about 3 minutes before serving so the juices stay intact.

Smoked Meatballs cooked in a dish

Leftovers

Keep leftover smoked meatballs in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the microwave, air fryer, or stovetop. Use them to make Italian meatballs, serve them in a wrap or in a meatball sandwich, or in a spaghetti sauce bolognese. Freeze cooled meatballs in a zippered bag up to 8 weeks.

plated Smoked Meatballs with one in half to show middle

Other Tasty Recipes In The Smoker!

close up of cooked Smoked Meatballs
5 from 4 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!

Smoked Meatballs

These Smoked Meatballs make a delicious hot appetizer or hearty entree!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
rest 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 7 meatballs
Author Candace

Equipment

Ingredients  

  • ½ cup panko
  • ¼ cup water
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese shredded
  • 2 Tablespoons parsley finely chopped
  • 1 egg
  • 1 ½ teaspoons garlic minced, about 2-3 cloves
  • 1 pound lean ground beef

Instructions 

  • Preheat smoker to 300°F.
  • In a large bowl, mix together panko and water. Allow to rest for 5 minutes.
  • Add parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, and garlic and combine well.
  • Add beef and mix until just combined. Begin with a spoon, then use hands to finish mixing. Do not over mix as the meatballs may turn out tough.
  • Divide meat evenly into 7 meatballs, about 3.5 ounces each*.
  • Smoke meatballs for 25 minutes, or until meatballs reach 160°F on a digital thermometer.
  • Serve warm or room temperature with marinara sauce or any favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • *Meatballs can be made into any size, simply adjust the cook time accordingly.
  • Meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption. It's a good idea to use a digital bbq thermometer for accuracy.
  • Many smoker models like Traeger and Weber have built-in thermometers.
5 from 4 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 155 | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 141mg | Potassium: 237mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 158IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.

Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American

Like our recipes?
Follow us on Pinterest!

Follow us on Pinterest

REPIN this Smoked Meatballs recipe!

plated Smoked Meatballs with a title

close up of Smoked Meatballs with a title

Smoked Meatballs on a plate with one meatball in half with a title

close up of plated Smoked Meatballs with a title

plated and close up photos of Smoked Meatballs with writing

plated Smoked Meatballs with writing

 

Categories:

, , , ,

Recipes you'll love

About the author

I am a wife, mother of two, and professional accountant. I love fantastic food, and it is so often the center of our lives, from everyday dinner, to family gatherings, and special evenings at fabulous restaurants. I have always loved cooking and baking, with my mom and grandma, and now, with my daughter and son. I love trying new recipes while enjoying my favorites too. I’m so happy to share them with you.
See more posts by Candace

5 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating