Pin It Tender beef meatballs glazed in smoky BBQ sauce are served over creamy mashed potatoes, creating a comforting meal that's perfect for the whole family.
I first made these BBQ meatballs and mashed potatoes when my family craved a hearty, home-style meal during a chilly night, and it instantly became a go-to recipe in our house.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 500 g
- Bread crumbs: 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
- Parsley: 1 tbsp fresh, chopped (optional)
- 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: To taste
- Chopped chives or parsley: For garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep and shape meatballs:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley until just combined. Shape into 16 meatballs and arrange on the prepared sheet.
- Bake meatballs:
- Bake meatballs for 15 minutes.
- Make BBQ sauce:
- Whisk together BBQ sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika in a small bowl.
- Glaze and finish meatballs:
- Transfer baked meatballs to an oven-safe casserole dish. Pour BBQ sauce mixture over them and toss gently to coat. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, until glazed and cooked through.
- Prep mashed potatoes:
- While meatballs bake, place potatoes in a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil and cook 15–18 minutes until fork-tender.
- Mash potatoes:
- Drain potatoes and return to pot. Add butter and warm milk, mashing 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 chopped chives or parsley if desired.
Pin It 
This is the dish my kids ask for when we gather around the table for a cozy family dinner, especially on busy evenings where comfort is needed most.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowls, baking sheet, parchment paper, casserole dish, large pot, potato masher, whisk, measuring cups and spoons.
Allergen Information
Contains: Eggs, dairy, gluten (breadcrumbs), and possible allergens such as soy and mustard present in BBQ sauce.
Nutritional Information
Calories per serving: 540. Total fat: 21 g. Carbohydrates: 58 g. Protein: 26 g.
Pin It 
Finish each plate with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy comfort food at its best.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of meat is best for these meatballs?
Ground beef works well for tender and juicy meatballs, but ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative.
- → How can I make the mashed potatoes creamier?
Adding a splash of sour cream or extra butter to the mashed potatoes enhances creaminess and flavor.
- → Can I prepare the BBQ sauce from scratch?
Yes, combining ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and additional seasonings creates a smoky homemade BBQ glaze.
- → What potatoes are ideal for mashing?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are best for creamy mashed potatoes due to their texture and flavor.
- → How do I prevent meatballs from drying out?
Incorporating breadcrumbs, egg, and milk into the meat mixture helps keep meatballs moist and tender during baking.