Let’s talk Independence Day grilling. We all know and love a perfectly cooked meatball, but what if we gave them a smoky upgrade? Enter grilled skewered meatballs – a dish that bursts with flavor and fun. Grilling imbues these meatballs with a depth of smokiness that elevates them to a whole new level. And to make things even more exciting, we’ll thread them onto skewers with vibrant vegetables, creating a visually stunning presentation ideal for summer entertaining. 

This recipe combines the satisfaction of homemade meatballs with the thrill of grilling, making grilled skewered meatballs a delicious and interactive option for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just starting your grilling journey, these skewers are sure to impress. So, fire up the grill and get ready to experience the magic of grilled skewered meatballs. 

Grilled Skewered Meatballs Recipe 

Grilled skewered meatballs recipe transforms meatballs into kebabs. The ground meat is seasoned, formed into balls, then grilled on skewers with veggies like peppers and onions. You can use pre-made meatballs or make your own, and the kebabs are served with a simple sauce or dip. 

For the Juicy Meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended) 

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 

• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt 

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 

• 1/4 teaspoon each: dried dill, black pepper, and ground cinnamon 

• 1 clove garlic, grated 

• 1 large egg, beaten 

• 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs 

• 1 teaspoon olive oil 

For the Colorful Skewers

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks 

• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks 

• 1 medium onion, cut into 1-inch wedges 

• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning) 

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional) 

For Dipping Fun (Optional)

• Your favorite sauce (marinara, tzatziki, chimichurri, etc.) 

Let’s Get Grilling 

1. Activate the Baking Soda: In a bowl, whisk together the baking soda and lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes to create lighter, fluffier meatballs. 
2. Season the Meat: Add the ground beef to the bowl and mix gently with your hands. 
3. Spice it Up: In a separate bowl, combine the salt, oregano, dill, pepper, and a surprising touch of cinnamon for added depth. Add this mixture, along with the grated garlic, beaten egg, and panko breadcrumbs, to the meatball bowl. Mix well, but don’t overdo it to avoid tough meatballs. 
4. Form and Chill: Shape the mixture into 12 equal balls, each about 1-inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) to firmer meatballs on the grill. 
5. Heat Up the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (375°F-425°F). Lightly brush or oil the grates to prevent sticking. 
6. Assemble the Skewers: Thread the bell pepper chunks, onion wedges, and meatballs alternately onto the soaked skewers. Leave some space between the ingredients for even cooking. 
7. Brush and Grill: Brush the assembled skewers with olive oil and place them on the preheated grill. Cook for 10-12 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through (165°F internal temperature) and the vegetables are tender-crisp. 
8. Serve and enjoy Transfer the grilled skewered meatballs to a platter, garnish with parsley (optional), and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor and moisture. 

Macros 

Calories: – 144 

Fat: – 8g 

Carbs: – 8g 

Protein: – 11g 

Tips for the Perfect Grilled Skewered Meatballs Recipe 

• Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or lamb for the ground beef if you prefer. 

• Add grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta to the meatball mix for a richer taste. 

• Regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can replace panko breadcrumbs. 

• Metal skewers are an option, just soak them in water for a few minutes before grilling to avoid overheating. 

• Leftover grilled meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Warm gently in a pan or microwave until hot. 

Print

Grilled Skewered Meatballs Recipe 

Grilled skewered meatballs recipe transforms meatballs into kebabs. The ground meat is seasoned, formed into balls, then grilled on skewers with veggies like peppers and onions. You can use pre-made meatballs or make your own, and the kebabs are served with a simple sauce or dip. 

Course Appetizer

Keyword Grilled Skewered Meatballs

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

1 hour hour

Total Time 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4 people

Calories 144kcal

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon each: dried dill black pepper, and ground cinnamon
• 1 clove garlic grated
• 1 large egg beaten
• 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 green bell pepper cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 medium onion cut into 1-inch wedges
• Wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning
• Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

• For the Juicy Meatballs

  1 pound ground beef

  1/2 teaspoon baking soda

  2 tablespoons lemon juice

  3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

  1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/4 teaspoon each: dried dill 1 clove garlic 1 large egg 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs 1 teaspoon olive oil

For the Colorful Skewers

• 1 red bell pepper

  1 green bell pepper

  1 medium onion

  Wooden skewers

  Fresh parsley
• For Dipping Fun (Optional)

  Your favorite sauce (marinara, tzatziki, chimichurri, etc.) Let's Get Grilling 
• Activate the Baking Soda: In a bowl, whisk together the baking soda and lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes to create lighter, fluffier meatballs.
• Season the Meat: Add the ground beef to the bowl and mix gently with your hands.
• Spice it Up: In a separate bowl, combine the salt, oregano, dill, pepper, and a surprising touch of cinnamon for added depth. Add this mixture, along with the grated garlic, beaten egg, and panko breadcrumbs, to the meatball bowl. Mix well, but don't overdo it to avoid tough meatballs.
• Form and Chill: Shape the mixture into 12 equal balls, each about 1-inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) to firmer meatballs on the grill.
• Heat Up the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (375°F-425°F). Lightly brush or oil the grates to prevent sticking.
• Assemble the Skewers: Thread the bell pepper chunks, onion wedges, and meatballs alternately onto the soaked skewers. Leave some space between the ingredients for even cooking.
• Brush and Grill: Brush the assembled skewers with olive oil and place them on the preheated grill. Cook for 10-12 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through (165°F internal temperature) and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
• Serve and enjoy Transfer the grilled skewered meatballs to a platter, garnish with parsley (optional), and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor and moisture.

Notes

Tips for the Perfect Grilled Skewered Meatballs Recipe 

• Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or lamb for the ground beef if you prefer. 

• Add grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta to the meatball mix for a richer taste. 

• Regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can replace panko breadcrumbs. 

• Metal skewers are an option, just soak them in water for a few minutes before grilling to avoid overheating. 

• Leftover grilled meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Warm gently in a pan or microwave until hot. 

Conclusion 

Now that you’ve got the recipe down, fire up the grill and get ready to impress your guests with these delicious and interactive grilled skewered meatballs. They’re perfect for any summer gathering, and the leftovers are just as good. So, grab your favorite dipping sauce, gather your friends and family, and enjoy the taste of summer with this fun and flavorful dish. 

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