Save Tender beef meatballs glazed in smoky BBQ sauce, served over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting, family-friendly meal.
I first made these BBQ meatballs and mashed potatoes one weekend to surprise my family with a classic comfort meal. Everyone loved piling the saucy meatballs onto creamy potatoes, making it a regular request in our house.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 500 g, for tender meatballs.
- Bread crumbs: 1/2 cup, binds the mixture.
- Egg: 1 large, holds meatballs together.
- Milk: 1/4 cup, adds moisture.
- Onion: 1 small, finely diced for savory flavor.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Salt: 1/2 tsp.
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp.
- Parsley: 1 tbsp fresh, chopped (optional).
- BBQ sauce: 1 cup, store-bought or homemade.
- Ketchup: 2 tbsp.
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tbsp.
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp.
- Potatoes: 1 kg (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and cubed.
- Unsalted butter: 60 g, for richness.
- Milk (warm): 1/2 cup, for creamy potatoes.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning potatoes.
- Chives or parsley: Chopped fresh, for garnish (optional).
Instructions
- Prepare oven:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix meatballs:
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until just combined.
- Shape and bake meatballs:
- Form mixture into 16 meatballs and arrange on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Make BBQ sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.
- Glaze meatballs:
- Transfer baked meatballs to a casserole dish and coat with BBQ sauce mixture. Toss gently.
- Bake again:
- Return meatballs to oven and bake 10 more minutes, until glazed and cooked through.
- Prepare potatoes:
- Boil potatoes in salted water for 15 to 18 minutes until fork-tender, then drain.
- Mash potatoes:
- Return potatoes to pot, add butter and warm milk, mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve:
- Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates, top with BBQ meatballs, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with chives or parsley if desired.
Save This meal always brings back cozy, laughter-filled dinners around our table. Even picky eaters ask for seconds!
Required Tools
Large mixing bowls, baking sheet, parchment paper, casserole dish, large pot, potato masher, whisk, measuring cups and spoons.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains eggs, dairy, gluten (breadcrumbs), and possible allergens from BBQ sauce such as soy and mustard. Check ingredient labels carefully for individual needs.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides about 540 calories, 21 g fat, 58 g carbohydrates, and 26 g protein.
Save Enjoy this comforting dinner anytime you want a cozy treat. The leftovers reheat wonderfully for lunch the next day.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of beef is best for meatballs?
Ground beef with moderate fat content (around 15-20%) works best to keep meatballs juicy and flavorful.
- → How can I make the mashed potatoes extra creamy?
Adding warm milk and unsalted butter while mashing helps achieve a smooth and creamy texture; a splash of sour cream can enhance richness.
- → Can I prepare the BBQ sauce ahead of time?
Yes, mixing BBQ sauce with ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika ahead allows flavors to meld and speeds up cooking.
- → What are good side options to serve with this dish?
Steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad complement the rich meatballs and creamy potatoes nicely.
- → How do I ensure meatballs cook evenly in the oven?
Form uniform-sized meatballs and space them evenly on the baking sheet to allow consistent heat circulation for even cooking.
- → Is it possible to substitute beef with other proteins?
Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef, though cooking times and flavors may vary slightly.