BBQ Bourbon Meatballs
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BBQ Bourbon Meatballs are a great dish for gatherings, game days, or simple family dinners. The sauce is a mix of sweet, smoky, and rich flavors. This meatball recipes is easy to make and works as an appetizer or a main dish.
BBQ Bourbon Meatballs
Meatballs have been around for centuries and exist in different forms across the world. Italian, Swedish, and Middle Eastern cuisines all have their versions, each with unique ingredients and cooking methods. Early recipes were a way to use leftover meat efficiently, mixing it with bread or grains to make it stretch further.
BBQ Bourbon Meatballs provide protein from the meat. The sauce has some sugar, but you can adjust the sweetness. If using lean meats, they can be lower in fat while still keeping their texture.
Adding vegetables as a side can balance out the meal.
Ingredients
The full recipe with ingredient amounts and instructions is at the bottom of this post. You can save a tree and the recipe to your personal and private recipe box here on Call Me PMc. This way, you’ll never misplace it.
Meatballs
- ground beef)
- panko breadcrumbs
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- eggs
- chili powder
- sea salt
- ground black pepper
- oil
BBQ Bourbon Sauce
- barbecue sauce
- bourbon
- red chili flakes
Cooking Tips and Substitutions
BBQ Bourbon Meatballs work well in a slow cooker, making them easy for busy days. Let them simmer helps the sauce soak in, giving them even more flavor.
For the best results, don’t overwork the mixture, or they can become dense.
The bourbon adds depth to the sauce, but you can leave it out if preferred.
Honey or maple syrup can be used instead of brown sugar for sweetness.
If you want extra heat, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat on the stove.
BBQ Bourbon Meatballs FAQ
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can make the meatballs and sauce a day in advance.
Can I use a different type of meat? Ground beef works well, but you can mix it with pork or turkey for a different texture and flavor.
Does the alcohol cook out of the bourbon? Most of it does cook off, especially if simmered for a while, but if you prefer, you can leave it out and still have a good sauce.
Conclusion
BBQ Bourbon Meatballs are a great addition to any meal plan. They have a rich, smoky sauce that pairs well with different sides or works on their own. Easy to make and full of flavor, they’re a reliable option for any occasion.
BBQ Bourbon Meatballs
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound (453 g) ground beef
- ¾ cup (1.58 oz | 45 g) panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 medium eggs
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons oil
BBQ Bourbon Sauce
- 1 cup barbecue sauce store bought (10.1 oz | 302 g)
- 3 tablespoon bourbon
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
Instructions
- Meatballs: Add all ingredients except the oil in a large bowl. Combine with your hand but do not overmix. Roll meatballs the size of a golf ball. You will get 20-22 meatballs.
- Heat a non-stick pan on medium heat with oil. Cook meatballs on each side until golden brown. It will take about 3-4 minutes.
- Now add the barbecue sauce, the bourbon and chili flakes. Stir all together to coat the meatballs. Cook until the sauce heats up.
- Remove, garnish with cilantro and serve with rice.
Nutrition
Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are important to you, I recommend calculating them yourself.