Bourbon Meatballs
Indulge in the irresistible flavor of Bourbon Meatballs—a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and sweet with a hint of smoky bourbon undertones. This crowd-pleasing recipe features juicy meatballs made from a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with garlic and onion powder, and enriched with parmesan cheese for a tender bite. The star of the dish is the homemade bourbon glaze, made with ketchup, brown sugar, and a splash of bourbon, creating a glossy, caramelized coating that’s simply irresistible. Whether served as a party appetizer on toothpicks or paired with rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal, these bourbon meatballs are guaranteed to impress. Ready in under an hour, this easy recipe is a perfect go-to for game days, family dinners, or potlucks!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 0.5 lb ground pork
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup ketchup
- 0.5 cup brown sugar
- 0.25 cup bourbon
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 0.25 tsp ground cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the meatballs for 15-18 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the bourbon sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, bourbon, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and ground cayenne pepper (if using). Whisk to combine.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Allow it to cook for 10-12 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
Once the meatballs are out of the oven, transfer them to the saucepan with the bourbon sauce. Gently stir to coat them evenly in the sauce.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the meatballs in the sauce for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve the bourbon meatballs hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. They can be served as an appetizer with toothpicks or over rice or mashed potatoes as a main dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2942 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 166.5 g | 213% | |
| Saturated Fat | 70.2 g | 351% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 775 mg | 258% | |
| Sodium | 5078 mg | 221% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 182.3 g | 66% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 118.6 g | ||
| Protein | 160.8 g | 322% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 503 mg | 39% | |
| Iron | 15.0 mg | 83% | |
| Potassium | 1606 mg | 34% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
