Bourbon Meatballs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These meatballs are the ultimate appetizer—easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfectly bite-sized. The bourbon adds a deep, warm note to the sauce without overpowering it, while the combination of sweet and tangy elements creates a balanced glaze. They can be made ahead of time and kept warm in a slow cooker, making party prep a breeze. Whether served with toothpicks or over rice, these bourbon meatballs are irresistible.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
• Bread crumbs
• Egg
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil or cooking spray (for baking or frying)

For the sauce:

• Bourbon
• Brown sugar
• Ketchup
• Soy sauce
• Apple cider vinegar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat oil in a large skillet if pan-frying.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, bread crumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix.
3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet or set aside for frying.
4. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or pan-fry until browned and cooked through.
5. While meatballs cook, prepare the sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire, and seasonings. Bring to a simmer.
6. Let the sauce simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
7. Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and stir to coat evenly. Simmer for an additional 5–10 minutes.
8. Serve warm as an appetizer or over rice for a main dish.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 25–30 meatballs.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh finish.
• Use honey or maple syrup in place of brown sugar for a different sweetness.
• Spice it up with sriracha or hot sauce in the glaze.
• Make it gluten-free with gluten-free bread crumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Serve over mashed potatoes or noodles for a heartier meal.
• Add pineapple chunks for a sweet and tropical twist.
• Turn them into sliders with mini buns and cheese slices.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm them in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
They also freeze well—store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.

FAQs

Can I use a different meat for this recipe?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or a beef-pork blend all work well for this recipe.

Does the alcohol cook out of the bourbon?

Most of the alcohol cooks off during simmering, leaving behind flavor without the harshness.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can make and refrigerate or freeze the meatballs and sauce separately or together.

What kind of bourbon should I use?

Use a mid-range bourbon that you enjoy drinking. It doesn’t have to be expensive.

Are these spicy?

They can be. The red pepper flakes add a little heat, but you can omit them for a milder version.

Can I cook the meatballs in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the meatballs first, then add them and the sauce to a slow cooker and cook on low for 2–3 hours.

How do I keep meatballs moist?

Don’t overmix the meat mixture and avoid overcooking. Adding breadcrumbs and egg helps retain moisture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles well—just make sure to adjust sauce quantities accordingly.

How do I serve them for a party?

Serve with toothpicks straight from a slow cooker or on a platter with small forks.

Can I use pre-cooked frozen meatballs?

Yes, just thaw and simmer them in the bourbon sauce until heated through.

Conclusion

Bourbon Meatballs are an irresistible mix of sweet, savory, and slightly smoky flavors, making them a perfect appetizer for any occasion. With simple ingredients and flexible cooking methods, they’re easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a flavorful meal idea, these meatballs won’t disappoint.

Bourbon Meatballs

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Bourbon Meatballs are tender, flavorful meatballs coated in a sweet and savory bourbon-infused glaze. Perfect for parties, holidays, or game day, they can be served as appetizers or over rice for a hearty meal.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 25–30 meatballs
• Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
• Method: Baking, Simmering
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Kosher

Ingredients

1. 1 lb ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
2. ½ cup bread crumbs
3. 1 egg
4. ½ cup onion, finely chopped
5. 2 cloves garlic, minced
6. 1 tsp salt
7. ½ tsp black pepper
8. 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray

For the sauce:

• ½ cup bourbon
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat oil in a skillet if pan-frying.

1. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, bread crumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
2. Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet or set aside for frying.
3. Bake 15–20 minutes, or pan-fry until browned and cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, combine bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire, and seasonings. Simmer 8–10 minutes until thickened slightly.
5. Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
6. Simmer an additional 5–10 minutes, then serve warm.

Notes

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Make ahead and keep warm in a slow cooker for parties.
• Add pineapple chunks for a sweet twist or extra chili flakes for heat.
• Double the recipe for larger gatherings.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 meatballs
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 65mg