Save Tender beef meatballs glazed in smoky BBQ sauce, served over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting, family-friendly meal.
I first made this dish for a weeknight family dinner, and it instantly became a favorite on our table. The rich BBQ sauce and velvety potatoes make this meal extra satisfying, especially when everyone digs in together.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 500 g
- Bread crumbs: 1/2 cup
- Egg: 1 large
- Milk (for meatballs): 1/4 cup
- Onion: 1 small, finely diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Fresh parsley: 1 tbsp, 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
- Butter: 60 g unsalted
- Milk (for potatoes): 1/2 cup, warm
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Garnish: Chopped chives or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare oven and sheet:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix meatball ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until just combined.
- Shape meatballs:
- Shape mixture into 16 meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs:
- Bake meatballs for 15 minutes.
- Prepare BBQ sauce:
- Meanwhile, whisk together BBQ sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika in a small bowl.
- Glaze meatballs:
- Remove meatballs from oven, transfer to an oven-safe casserole dish, and pour BBQ sauce mixture over them. Toss gently to coat.
- Finish baking meatballs:
- Return meatballs to oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until glazed and cooked through.
- Boil potatoes:
- While meatballs bake, place potatoes in a large pot, cover with salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook 15–18 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.
- To serve:
- Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates, top with BBQ meatballs, and drizzle with extra sauce. Garnish with chives or parsley if desired.
Save This meal always brings my family together around the dinner table. Everyone loves making their own little mountain of mashed potatoes topped with saucy meatballs.
Required Tools
You will need large mixing bowls, a baking sheet, parchment paper, a casserole dish, a large pot, a potato masher, a whisk, and measuring cups and spoons for this recipe.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains eggs, dairy, gluten (breadcrumbs), and may have soy or mustard allergens in the BBQ sauce. Always read ingredient labels carefully.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 540 calories, 21 g fat, 58 g carbohydrates, and 26 g protein.
Save Serve immediately for best texture and flavor. Leftovers make a great lunch the next day.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of meat is best for the meatballs?
Ground beef with a moderate fat content works best for tender, juicy meatballs that hold their shape well.
- → Can I make the BBQ glaze from scratch?
Yes, combining ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and your choice of spices creates a smoky, tangy glaze.
- → How do I achieve creamy mashed potatoes?
Use starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold, mash while warm, and add butter and warm milk gradually for smooth texture.
- → What is the ideal baking time for the meatballs?
Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes initially, then coat with sauce and bake another 10 minutes until fully cooked and glazed.
- → Can I substitute the beef with other proteins?
Ground turkey or chicken can be used as alternatives, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly.