Bourbon BBQ Meatballs
By Brandy O'NeillThese simple appetizer spinach meatballs are the perfect holiday addition – a quick homemade bourbon BBQ sauce mixed with savory meatballs. What's not to love?
- Yield: 18-20 meatballs
- Course: Appetizer
All you need for this recipe and more...


Ayesha Curry
10-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Grill Pan with Helper Handle and Pour Spouts
INGREDIENTS
For the meatballs:
- 1 pound ground meatloaf mix (ground beef, pork and veal)
- 1 cup chopped fresh baby spinach
- 1/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
For the sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup bourbon
- 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon honey mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- Pinch kosher salt
DIRECTIONS
- For the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or silpat liner.
- In a large bowl, add all meatball ingredients. Using your hands mix together until fully incorporated. Roll into about 2-inch sized balls and place onto prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes until no longer pink. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- For the sauce: Add all sauce ingredients to a large covered skillet over medium heat. Whisk together to combine.
- Let the sauce mixture simmer for 20 minutes – just until it starts to bubble and cook down.
- Add meatballs to the sauce, cover and let simmer for 5 minutes. Uncover, flip the meatballs and simmer until ready to serve.
- Make sure to keep an eye on the sauce so it does't cook down too much.