Bourbon BBQ Bacon Meatballs
These Bourbon BBQ Bacon Meatballs are sweet, smoky, and saucy — juicy beef meatballs mixed with crispy bacon and simmered in a rich bourbon-infused BBQ sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish for gatherings and game days.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Saucepan
- Spatula or tongs
- Oven
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 blend for juicy meatballs
- 6 bacon strips cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Bourbon BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce your favorite brand
- 2–3 Tbsp bourbon adjust to taste (alcohol cooks off)
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar optional for extra sweetness
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crumbled bacon, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and browned.
- Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, combine BBQ sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Place the cooked meatballs in a large bowl, pour the bourbon BBQ sauce over them, and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with chopped parsley before serving warm.
Notes
For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple juice or beef broth. These meatballs are great as an appetizer with toothpicks or served over mashed potatoes, rice, or in sliders.:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}