Whiskey-Infused Bourbon Glazed Meatballs
Juicy meatballs simmered in a rich bourbon and whiskey glaze, perfect as a savory appetizer or main dish. This American-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until combined but not overworked.
- Step 2: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, about 20 pieces. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs for 3-4 minutes per side until golden but not cooked through.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup bourbon whiskey, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup water until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the bourbon glaze over the browned meatballs in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the glaze thickens, coating each meatball with a shiny finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Whiskey-Infused Bourbon Glazed Meatballs take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Whiskey-Infused Bourbon Glazed Meatballs?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Whiskey-Infused Bourbon Glazed Meatballs?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Whiskey-Infused Bourbon Glazed Meatballs for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Whiskey-Infused Bourbon Glazed Meatballs?
American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
