Go Back
–+ servings
Bourbon Bacon Meatballs
Print

Bourbon Bacon Meatballs

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 16 meatballs

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

  • 1/2 lb. bacon
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1/2 cup Ritz cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 large egg

For the Bourbon Barbecue Sauce:

  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 1 Tbsp. yellow mustard
  • 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp. onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp. chili powder

Instructions

  • For the meatballs: chop the bacon into 1-inch pieces and place in a food processor. Blend until it is finely chopped. Add bacon to a large bowl and mix together with the ground beef. Add remaining meatball ingredients and combine well with hands. Form into balls and place on a plate. I like to use my cookie scoop to get consistent size. 
  • Preheat a skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium heat. While it's heating, combine all the barbecue sauce ingredients in a small sauce pan. Heat the sauce pan over medium heat until it comes to a boil. Bring it down to a medium simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring often.
  • Cook the meatballs while the sauce is simmering. Add a tablespoon of canola or vegetable oil to the skillet. Add meatballs and cook on one side until browned and crispy, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip over and cook another 3 to 4 minutes. Cook on sides for a minute to ensure the whole exterior is cooked through since they contain pork. 
  • Remove meatballs from skillet and toss with bourbon barbecue sauce.