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 on a cold weekend and instantly knew they would become a staple in our home. The combination of flavorful, juicy meatballs and creamy mashed potatoes makes this dish the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 500 g
- Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup
- Egg: 1 large
- Milk: 1/4 cup for meatballs, 1/2 cup (warm) for potatoes
- Onion: 1 small, finely diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Salt: 1/2 tsp, plus extra to taste
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp, plus extra to taste
- Fresh parsley: 1 tbsp, chopped (optional), plus extra for garnish
- BBQ sauce: 1 cup (storebought or homemade)
- Ketchup: 2 tbsp
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tbsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Potatoes: 1 kg Yukon Gold or Russet, peeled & cubed
- Unsalted butter: 60 g
- Chives or parsley: Chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare oven & pan:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make meatball mixture:
- Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, 1/4 cup milk, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley in a large bowl. Mix until just combined.
- Shape & bake:
- Shape mixture into 16 meatballs, place on baking sheet, and bake for 15 minutes.
- Mix BBQ glaze:
- In a bowl, whisk BBQ sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.
- Glaze meatballs:
- Transfer baked meatballs to a casserole dish, pour BBQ sauce mixture over, and toss to coat. Bake an additional 10 minutes until glazed and cooked through.
- Cook potatoes:
- While meatballs bake, place potatoes in a large pot, cover with salted water, bring to boil and cook 15-18 minutes until fork-tender.
- Mash potatoes:
- Drain potatoes, add butter and warm milk, and mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- To serve:
- Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates, top with BBQ meatballs, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with herbs if desired.
Save My family gathers around the table every time I make this dish! The kids especially love the extra drizzle of BBQ sauce and helping to mash the potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these BBQ meatballs and mashed potatoes with steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Make It Yours
Swap in ground turkey or chicken to lighten things up, or add a pinch of cayenne for some heat in the BBQ glaze. Fresh chives or extra parsley make for a bright and tasty garnish.
Nutritional Information
This meal yields around 540 calories per serving with 21 g fat, 58 g carbohydrates, and 26 g protein. Nutrient values can vary with brand of ingredients and serving sizes.
Save With smoky, saucy meatballs and velvety potatoes, this is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Enjoy every bite and the happy smiles around your table!
Kitchen Guide
- → What type of beef is best for meatballs?
Ground beef with moderate fat content (around 80/20) ensures juicy and tender meatballs without being too greasy.
- → How can I make the mashed potatoes extra creamy?
Adding warm milk and unsalted butter while mashing helps create a smooth, rich texture. A splash of sour cream can also enhance creaminess.
- → Is it necessary to bake the meatballs before glazing them?
Baking the meatballs first ensures they are cooked through and firm, allowing the BBQ glaze to adhere properly during the second baking phase.
- → Can I substitute the BBQ sauce with another type of sauce?
Yes, sauces like teriyaki or a spicy tomato glaze can offer alternate flavor profiles while complementing the beef and potatoes.
- → What are good side dishes to serve alongside this meal?
Steamed green beans, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables complement the richness and provide balanced nutrition.
- → How can I add a spicy kick to the dish?
Including a pinch of cayenne pepper in the BBQ sauce or adding chili flakes to the meatball mixture elevates the heat level.