Pin It Tender beef meatballs glazed in smoky BBQ sauce, served over creamy mashed potatoes makes for the ultimate comforting, family-friendly meal that everyone loves any night of the week.
I still remember the first time I made these BBQ meatballs & mashed potatoes for a Sunday dinner. The joy on my family's faces as they dug in assured me this recipe was destined to be a repeat favorite.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 500 g
- Breadcrumbs: 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 (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
- Butter: 60 g unsalted
- Milk (for potatoes): 1/2 cup (warm)
- Salt and pepper (for potatoes): to taste
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional garnish): As desired
Instructions
- Prep Oven and Pan:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until just combined.
- Shape and Bake:
- Shape mixture into 16 meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Make BBQ Sauce:
- Whisk together BBQ sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika in a small bowl.
- Sauce & Bake Again:
- Remove meatballs from oven, transfer to an oven-safe casserole dish, and pour BBQ sauce mixture over. Toss gently to coat and return to oven for 10 minutes until glazed and cooked through.
- Prep 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.
- Serve:
- Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates, top with BBQ meatballs, and drizzle with extra sauce. Garnish with chives or parsley if desired.
Pin It Sharing this meal around our kitchen table became a cozy tradition, with everyone reaching for seconds and enjoying laughter between bites.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these BBQ meatballs and mashed potatoes with steamed green beans or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Add a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
Ingredient Swaps
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef, and gluten-free breadcrumbs make it suitable for various diets. Try adding a pinch of cayenne to the BBQ sauce for heat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Pin It This hearty meal is sure to become a family favorite and is perfect for easy entertaining or a cozy weeknight dinner.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I get tender meatballs?
Using a mix of ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, and milk helps keep the meatballs moist and tender during baking.
- → What makes the BBQ sauce smoky?
Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth to the BBQ sauce, enhancing its rich flavor.
- → How can I make mashed potatoes creamy?
Adding butter and warm milk while mashing ensures a smooth and creamy texture in the potatoes.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can bake the meatballs and prepare the sauce in advance, then reheat and mash fresh potatoes before serving.
- → What garnishes work well with this dish?
Freshly chopped chives or parsley add a bright, herbaceous finish that complements the smoky meatballs.