Save to Pinterest Tender beef meatballs glazed in smoky BBQ sauce and served over creamy mashed potatoes create a comforting family meal everyone will love. This hearty American main dish is easy to prepare for any night of the week and always brings smiles at the dinner table.
Growing up, BBQ meatballs and mashed potatoes were a staple at Sunday dinners. Now, I make this for my own family & every bite brings back those cherished memories around the table.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 500 g
- Bread crumbs: 1/2 cup
- Egg: 1 large
- Milk: 1/4 cup (plus 1/2 cup warm for potatoes)
- Onion: 1 small, finely diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Fresh parsley (optional): 1 tbsp, chopped
- 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
- Unsalted butter: 60 g
- Salt and pepper (for potatoes): to taste
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional): for garnish
Instructions
- Prep Meatballs:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 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:
- Form mixture into 16 meatballs and arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake 15 minutes.
- Make Glaze:
- Whisk together BBQ sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika in a small bowl.
- Glaze Meatballs:
- Transfer baked meatballs to an oven-safe casserole dish, pour BBQ sauce mixture over, and toss gently to coat. Bake an additional 10 minutes.
- Prepare Potatoes:
- While meatballs cook, place potatoes in a large pot, cover with salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook 15 to 18 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well.
- Mash Potatoes:
- Return drained potatoes to pot, add butter and 1/2 cup warm milk, and mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve:
- Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates, top with BBQ meatballs and extra sauce. Garnish with chives or parsley, if desired.
Save to Pinterest Serving these meatballs over mashed potatoes always reminds me of cozy winter evenings with the kids helping to mash and garnish our plates together.
Make Ahead & Storage
You can roll and bake the meatballs in advance, then reheat with BBQ sauce when ready to serve. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with crisp steamed green beans or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. The BBQ glaze is also delicious over rice or pasta for a change.
Allergen & Dietary Info
This recipe contains beef, dairy, eggs, and gluten. Some BBQ sauces may contain soy or mustard, so check labels if you have allergies.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy these BBQ meatballs and mashed potatoes for a classic family dinner that is always a hit. Leftovers make for a delicious lunch the next day.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How can I make the meatballs tender?
Use a combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and milk to keep the meatballs moist and tender. Avoid overmixing the mixture to prevent toughness.
- → What type of potatoes work best for the mash?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal for mashing due to their creamy texture and ability to absorb butter and milk well.
- → Can I prepare the BBQ sauce from scratch?
Yes, mixing ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika creates a homemade smoky BBQ glaze that enhances the meatballs nicely.
- → How do I achieve a smooth mashed potato texture?
Boil potatoes until fork-tender, then mash with warm milk and unsalted butter. Adding a splash of sour cream can increase creaminess.
- → What are some good serving suggestions?
Pair with steamed green beans or a simple salad to balance the rich meatballs and creamy potatoes.