Beer Barbecued Meatballs

These flavorful meatballs are simmered in a combination of beer and spicy vegetable juice, resulting in a delicious taste. Perfect for parties or gatherings, these meatballs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 pounds (1.4 kg) lean ground beef
• 1 cup (160 g) chopped onion, divided
• ½ cup (60 g) dry bread crumbs
• ¾ cup (175 ml) egg substitute
• 12 ounces (355 ml) beer
• 6 ounces (175 ml) spicy vegetable juice, such as V-8
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• 14 ounces (390 g) no-salt-added ketchup
• 1 teaspoon horseradish
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ½ cup (80 g) chopped onions, bread crumbs, and egg substitute. Mix well.
2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs.
3. In a large skillet, brown the meatballs on all sides or bake them in a 375°F (190°C, or gas mark 5) oven for approximately 30 minutes until browned. Drain the meatballs and discard the fat.
4. In a saucepan, combine the remaining chopped onions, beer, spicy vegetable juice, lemon juice, hot pepper sauce, ketchup, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 6 hours.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: These beer-barbecued meatballs are a delicious addition to any gathering. The combination of ground beef, onions, bread crumbs, and egg substitute creates flavorful meatballs that are browned to perfection. The sauce, made with a mixture of beer, spicy vegetable juice, ketchup, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce, adds a tangy and spicy kick. After browning the meatballs, simply combine them with the sauce in a slow cooker and let them simmer on low heat for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. Serve these tasty meatballs as appetizers or as a main dish alongside your favorite sides.

Yield: 36 servings

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• 53 g water
• 116 calories
• 54% from fat
• 29% from protein
• 17% from carbs
• 8 g protein
• 7 g total fat
• 3 g saturated fat
• 3 g monounsaturated fat
• 0 g polyunsaturated fat
• 5 g carbs
• 0 g fiber
• 3 g sugar
• 69 mg phosphorus
• 12 mg calcium
• 1 mg iron
• 42 mg sodium
• 190 mg potassium
• 198 IU vitamin A
• 0 mg ATE vitamin E
• 4 mg vitamin C
• 26 mg cholesterol

The beer in the barbecue sauce adds complexity and depth to the flavor profile, enhancing the richness of the meatballs. The sugars in the beer also contribute to caramelization during the cooking process, adding a touch of sweetness and a beautiful glaze to the meatballs.

Beer barbecued meatballs can be served as an appetizer, accompanied by toothpicks or skewers for easy serving. They are also great as a main course, served with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. These meatballs are versatile and can be enjoyed at casual gatherings, game nights, or even as a comforting weeknight dinner.

When preparing beer barbecued meatballs, it’s important to choose a beer that complements the flavors of the barbecue sauce and the meat. Experiment with different types of beers, such as stouts, porters, or lagers, to find the flavor combination that suits your taste.

In summary, beer barbecued meatballs are a delicious and savory dish that combines the flavors of barbecue sauce and beer. The meatballs are tender, juicy, and coated in a delectable sauce that infuses them with irresistible flavors. Whether served as an appetizer or main course, beer barbecued meatballs are sure to be a hit at any gathering or mealtime.