Save Tender beef meatballs glazed in smoky BBQ sauce are nestled atop creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and family-friendly meal that brings everyone to the table.
Whenever I make this dish, I’m reminded of cozy weekends spent gathered in the kitchen with my kids eager to help roll the meatballs and taste-test the mashed potatoes. It's become a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at our house.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 500 g
- Bread crumbs: 1/2 cup
- Egg: 1 large
- Milk: 1/4 cup (for meatballs) and 1/2 cup warm (for mashed potatoes)
- Onion: 1 small, finely diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Salt: 1/2 tsp (plus to taste for potatoes )
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp (plus to taste for potatoes )
- Fresh parsley: 1 tbsp, chopped (optional, plus more for garnish)
- 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
- Butter: 60 g unsalted
- Garnish: Chopped fresh chives or parsley, optional
Instructions
- Prepare oven and baking sheet:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make meatball mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, and parsley. Mix until just combined.
- Shape and bake meatballs:
- Shape mixture into 16 meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Prepare BBQ glaze:
- While the meatballs bake, whisk together BBQ sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika in a small bowl.
- Glaze and finish meatballs:
- Transfer baked meatballs to an oven-safe casserole dish. Pour BBQ sauce mixture over and toss to coat. Return to oven for 10 minutes, until glazed and cooked through.
- Cook mashed potatoes:
- While the meatballs finish, place potatoes in a large pot. Cover with salted water and bring to a boil. Cook 15 to 18 minutes, until fork-tender.
- Mash potatoes:
- Drain potatoes and return to pot. Add butter and warm milk. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates, top with BBQ meatballs, and drizzle with extra sauce. Garnish with chives or parsley if desired.
Save My family always looks forward to these BBQ meatballs, especially when they're served with a side of green beans or a simple salad. The leftovers make a delicious lunch the next day.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with steamed green beans, roasted vegetables, or a crisp side salad to round out your meal and add freshness and color.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains eggs, dairy, gluten (breadcrumbs), and potential allergens in BBQ sauce such as soy and mustard. Always check ingredient labels carefully.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 540 calories, 21 g total fat, 58 g carbohydrates, 26 g protein. Values are estimates and may vary based on brands and substitutions.
Save Don't forget to garnish with extra herbs for a pop of freshness. Enjoy this comforting classic with your favorite sides for a wholesome family dinner!
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make the meatballs tender?
Use a combination of breadcrumbs, milk, and egg in the ground beef mixture to retain moisture and create a tender texture once baked.
- → Can I make the BBQ sauce from scratch?
Yes, combining ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika creates a flavorful smoky glaze that complements the meatballs perfectly.
- → What type of potatoes work best for mashing?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal as they become soft and creamy when boiled and mashed.
- → How can I add extra creaminess to the mashed potatoes?
Adding a splash of sour cream or extra butter enhances the smooth, rich texture of the mashed potatoes.
- → Is it possible to substitute the beef with other meats?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter alternative while maintaining flavor and texture.