Juicy homemade beef meatballs slow-simmered in a rich, sweet and smoky Southern BBQ glaze, served with creamy baked macaroni and cheese and buttery cinnamon candied yams. This comforting soul food plate is packed with bold flavors and is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or Sunday supper.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tender, juicy homemade meatballs

Sticky homemade BBQ glaze

Creamy Southern baked mac and cheese

Sweet buttery candied yams

Easy to make ahead

Classic Southern comfort food

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

For the BBQ Meatballs

2 lbs ground beef (80/20)

½ lb ground pork (optional, for extra juiciness)

1 cup Italian breadcrumbs

2 large eggs

½ cup whole milk

1 small onion, finely grated

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

2 tablespoons olive oil

Homemade Southern BBQ Sauce

1 cup ketchup

½ cup brown sugar

¼ cup honey

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

½ cup beef broth

Southern Baked Mac & Cheese

12 oz elbow macaroni

4 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup Colby Jack cheese

½ cup mozzarella cheese

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

Candied Yams

3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

½ cup butter

½ cup brown sugar

¼ cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl combine:

Ground beef

Ground pork

Breadcrumbs

Eggs

Milk

Onion

Garlic

Worcestershire sauce

Smoked paprika

Garlic powder

Onion powder

Cajun seasoning

Salt

Pepper

Parsley

Mix gently until just combined.

Roll into golf ball-sized meatballs.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet.

Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 8–10 minutes.

Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the BBQ Sauce

In the same skillet combine:

Ketchup

Brown sugar

Honey

Apple cider vinegar

Worcestershire sauce

Dijon mustard

Smoked paprika

Garlic powder

Cayenne

Beef broth

Simmer for 5 minutes.

Return the meatballs to the skillet.

Cover and simmer over low heat for 25–30 minutes until tender and coated in the thick BBQ glaze.

Step 4: Prepare the Mac & Cheese

Cook macaroni until al dente.

In a saucepan:

Melt butter.

Whisk in flour.

Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream.

Add smoked paprika.

Stir in all cheeses until smooth.

Mix with cooked macaroni.

Transfer to a baking dish.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Cook the Candied Yams

In a large skillet melt butter.

Add:

Brown sugar

Maple syrup

Cinnamon

Nutmeg

Vanilla

Salt

Stir until smooth.

Add sweet potatoes.

Cover and cook for 25–30 minutes until fork-tender.

Remove the lid and simmer until the glaze thickens.

Step 6: Assemble the Plate

Fill each plate with:

A generous serving of BBQ meatballs

Creamy baked macaroni and cheese

Candied yams

Spoon extra BBQ glaze over the meatballs before serving.

Tips

Mix the meat gently to keep the meatballs tender.

Browning the meatballs first locks in flavor.

Freshly grated cheese makes the creamiest mac and cheese.

The meatballs taste even better after sitting in the sauce for a few hours.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Meatballs and BBQ sauce freeze well for up to 3 months.

Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of beef broth or water.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

Southern cornbread

Collard greens

Green beans

Buttered corn

Sweet tea

Banana pudding or peach cobbler

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Southern BBQ Meatball Plate is the ultimate comfort food combination. Tender homemade meatballs coated in a rich, sticky BBQ glaze paired with creamy baked macaroni and cheese and sweet candied yams create a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, Sunday suppers, or meal prepping for the week.