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

1. For the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or silpat liner.
2. 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.
3. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until no longer pink. Remove from the oven and set aside.
4. For the sauce: Add all sauce ingredients to a large covered skillet over medium heat. Whisk together to combine.
5. Let the sauce mixture simmer for 20 minutes – just until it starts to bubble and cook down.
6. Add meatballs to the sauce, cover and let simmer for 5 minutes. Uncover, flip the meatballs and simmer until ready to serve.
7. Make sure to keep an eye on the sauce so it does't cook down too much.