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!

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

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)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4

Bake the meatballs for 15-18 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).

Step 5

While the meatballs are baking, prepare the bourbon sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 6

Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant.

Step 7

Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, bourbon, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and ground cayenne pepper (if using). Whisk to combine.

Step 8

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Allow it to cook for 10-12 minutes, or until slightly thickened.

Step 9

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.

Step 10

Reduce the heat to low and simmer the meatballs in the sauce for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 11

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

Serving size	1287.2 grams (1287.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2943

Total Fat 166.50g	213%
Saturated Fat 70.20g	351%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 775mg	258%
Sodium 5078mg	221%
Total Carbohydrate 182.30g	66%
Dietary Fiber 3.50g	13%
Total Sugars 118.60g
Protein 160.80g	322%

Vitamin D 41IU	205%
Calcium 503mg	39%
Iron 15mg	83%
Potassium 1606mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.2%

Protein: 22.4%

Carbs: 25.4%