Blueberry Bourbon Festive Meatballs
Blueberry Bourbon Festive Meatballs are tender baked beef meatballs coated in a glossy sauce made with blueberry preserves, bourbon, and warm spices, perfect for gatherings and holiday tables.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs or panko
- ½ cup finely diced onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Blueberry Bourbon Sauce
- ¾ cup blueberry preserves or jam
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Optional Garnish
- Fresh thyme leaves or orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Gently mix ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce until just combined.
- Roll into 1 inch meatballs, place on the baking sheet, and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through.
- Simmer blueberry preserves, bourbon, ketchup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes for 5 to 7 minutes until glossy.
- Add baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 5 minutes, gently tossing to coat.
- Transfer to a platter, spoon extra sauce on top, garnish if desired, and serve warm.