If you’re craving something rich, hearty, and downright comforting, you’re going to fall in love with this Mountain Meatballs Recipe. These meatballs pack a mountain of flavor with their juicy blend of beef and pork, wrapped in a luscious barbecue sauce that’s subtly sweet, tangy, and utterly addictive. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or want to impress guests with a dish that feels like a warm hug, these meatballs bring that perfect balance of savory goodness and cozy charm that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mountain Meatballs Recipe relies on a handful of simple, well-chosen ingredients that each play an essential role in building the dish’s irresistible taste, texture, and color. From the rich meats to the fragrant herbs and tangy sauce components, every single element adds something special to the party.
- Ground beef (1 1/2 pounds): Provides hearty flavor and moistness as the main protein base.
- Ground pork (1/2 pound): Adds juiciness and subtle sweetness to balance the beef.
- Breadcrumbs (1 cup): Keep the meatballs tender by soaking up moisture without making them dense.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Introduces a salty, nutty depth that enhances overall savoriness.
- Whole milk (1/4 cup): Helps soften breadcrumbs and maintain a juicy texture.
- Large eggs (2): Act as a binder to hold the meatballs together perfectly.
- Small onion, finely chopped (1): Brings subtle sweetness and aromatic layers.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Adds pungent warmth that flavors every bite.
- Worcestershire sauce (2 teaspoons): Delivers umami richness and a bit of tang.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Offers a fragrant herbal note that complements the meat beautifully.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for amplifying all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds mild heat and depth.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For browning the meatballs and adding a silky finish.
- Beef broth (2 cups): Forms the savory base of the sauce.
- Barbecue sauce (1 cup): Brings characteristic tangy sweetness with smokey undertones.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Lifts the sauce with sharp, subtle spice.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Balances flavors by adding gentle caramel notes.
How to Make Mountain Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Mix the Meatball Ingredients
Start by combining both ground beef and ground pork in a large bowl. Add breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, whole milk, eggs, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Then, mix in Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. The key is to mix just until everything is combined to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Take the mixture and form meatballs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Aim for uniform size, so they cook evenly and look as appetizing as they taste. Don’t worry about perfection—these rustic beauties are meant to feel homemade and heartwarming.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, ensuring you turn them to get a golden crust on all sides. This step locks in the juices and adds incredible flavor through caramelization. It should take about 5 to 6 minutes total for all batches.
Step 4: Simmer in Sauce
Once browned, remove the meatballs temporarily and whisk together beef broth, barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar in the same skillet. Bring this mix to a gentle simmer, then nestle the meatballs back in. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let everything cook together for 20 to 25 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is luscious and thickened.
How to Serve Mountain Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
To give your Mountain Meatballs Recipe that extra wow factor, sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top to add a fresh, herby brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce.
Side Dishes
These meatballs are incredibly versatile but truly shine when paired with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or even fluffy rice. These sides soak up the sauce perfectly and turn your meal into a satisfying feast that feels like a big, cozy embrace.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these meatballs on toasted rolls as sliders topped with a crisp slaw for some crunch. Alternatively, use the meatballs and sauce as a mouthwatering topping for baked potatoes or piled atop polenta for a rustic comfort food vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mountain Meatballs Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the meatballs cool completely before refrigerating to keep their texture just right.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these meatballs freeze wonderfully. Place cooked meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some room for expansion. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and are perfect to thaw for an easy meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the meatballs gently over low heat on the stove until heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave in short bursts, but stovetop reheating helps maintain the sauce’s texture and flavor best.
FAQs
Can I use all ground beef instead of mixing with pork?
Absolutely! Using all ground beef will still yield delicious meatballs, but the pork adds extra juiciness and a subtle sweetness that helps balance the dish perfectly.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce if I don’t have any?
You can use soy sauce or a bit of balsamic vinegar as a substitute. Both add umami depth, though the flavor will vary slightly from the original.
How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
The keys are not to overmix your meat mixture and to include binders like eggs and breadcrumbs. Also, browning them well helps seal their shape before simmering in sauce.
Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or use crushed gluten-free crackers. The rest of the recipe stays the same, so you won’t miss a beat on flavor or texture.
Is this Mountain Meatballs Recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! These meatballs hold up well in the fridge or freezer, making them perfect to prepare in advance. Just reheat and enjoy a hearty, ready-made meal with little effort.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully satisfying about the Mountain Meatballs Recipe: hearty, flavorful meatballs simmered in a tangy-sweet sauce that feels like a celebration in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, or simply treating yourself, this dish brings warmth, comfort, and a little mountain of love to your table. Give it a try—you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Mountain Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: High-Protein
Description
Mountain Meatballs are hearty, flavorful meatballs made with a blend of ground beef and pork, simmered in a rich barbecue sauce. Perfectly browned and cooked in a skillet, these meatballs offer a delicious balance of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors, making them ideal for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking & Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, whole milk, eggs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
- Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into meatballs approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter to ensure even cooking and perfect bite-sized portions.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. In batches, add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until all sides are browned and sealed, about 5 to 6 minutes total per batch. Remove browned meatballs and set them aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, whisk together the beef broth, barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Simmer Meatballs: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. This step cooks the meatballs through and allows the sauce to thicken and meld with the meatballs’ flavors.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the meatballs hot, spooning extra sauce over them. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- These hearty meatballs are great served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
- Using a combination of beef and pork adds rich flavor, but all ground beef can be used if preferred.
- Make a double batch and freeze extras for a quick, convenient meal later.
