Save Tender beef meatballs glazed in smoky BBQ sauce, served over creamy mashed potatoes create a comforting, family-friendly meal that is perfect for busy weeknights.
I remember making these BBQ meatballs for a cozy Sunday dinner last fall. The kitchen was filled with the savory aroma as everyone eagerly waited to dig in. The creamy mashed potatoes paired perfectly, making the meal extra special.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 500 g
- Bread crumbs: 1/2 cup
- Egg: 1 large
- Milk: 1/4 cup (for meatballs), plus 1/2 cup warm (for potatoes)
- Onion: 1 small, finely diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Salt: 1/2 tsp and to taste
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp and to taste
- Fresh parsley: 1 tbsp, chopped (optional)
- BBQ sauce: 1 cup
- 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
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley: optional for garnish
Instructions
- Prep Oven & Sheet:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make Meatball Mixture:
- Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and optional parsley in a large bowl. Mix until just combined.
- Shape & Bake Meatballs:
- Shape mixture into 16 meatballs, arrange on the baking sheet, and bake for 15 minutes.
- Mix Sauce:
- Whisk BBQ sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika together in a small bowl.
- Glaze Meatballs:
- Transfer meatballs to a casserole dish, pour BBQ sauce mixture over, and toss gently. Return to oven for 10 minutes until glazed.
- Make Mashed Potatoes:
- Boil potatoes in salted water for 15 to 18 minutes until fork-tender. Drain, return to pot, add butter and warm milk. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve:
- Plate mashed potatoes, top with BBQ meatballs, and drizzle extra sauce. Garnish with chives or parsley if desired.
Save Sharing these meatballs with my family always sparks laughter at the dinner table. The kids love adding their favorite herbs on top for extra flavor.
Required Tools
You'll need large bowls, a baking sheet, parchment paper, casserole dish, potato masher, whisk, and measuring cups to prepare this recipe with ease.
Allergen Information
This dish contains eggs, dairy, gluten in breadcrumbs, and potential allergens in BBQ sauce. Always check ingredient labels for safety.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 540 calories, 21 g total fat, 58 g carbohydrates, and 26 g protein.
Save Make this dish ahead and reheat for busy nights. The flavors intensify after sitting, making leftovers even tastier!
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I ensure the meatballs stay tender?
Use a combination of breadcrumbs, milk, and egg to keep the beef mixture moist and tender during baking.
- → Can I prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, mashed potatoes can be prepared in advance and gently reheated with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- → What type of potatoes work best for creamy mashed potatoes?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes provide the best texture and flavor for smooth, buttery mashed potatoes.
- → How can I add more smoky flavor to the meatballs?
Incorporate smoked paprika into the BBQ sauce and consider a brief grilling step for extra smokiness.
- → Are there alternatives to ground beef for the meatballs?
Ground turkey or chicken can be used as leaner substitutes, maintaining similar texture and flavor when seasoned well.