Smokin’ Meatball Mania!

Meatballs are one diverse food. First of all, it doesn’t matter what kind of meat you use: beef, pork, chicken, turkey, or tofu, they are fun size morsels that can be dunked or simmered with a variety of sauces to delight the tastebuds. Using Smokin’ Mary Bloody Mary Mix as a base for your meatballs gives these little treats a kick that will be sure to start a meal off right.

We like to make appetizer meatballs for an impressive pre-game snack. We like to bake the meatballs, but you can cook them in a slow cooker or InstaPot as well.

Holy Smokin’ Meatballs! 

Start making the sauce first so it can reduce to half. 

Mix in a saucepan:

• 1 1/2 c brown sugar
• 1/2 c Bourbon
• 1 1/2 c Smokin Mary mix
• 2 Tbsp molasses
• 2 Tbsp honey

While simmering and stirring occasionally, start making the meatballs below. 

• 1 lb hamburger
• 1 lb Italian sausage (hot or mild)
• 1 c sour cream
• 2 Tbsp Smokin Mary mix
• 1 egg
• 2 Tbsp minced garlic
• 1/4 chopped onions
• 2 sleeves Ritz crackers
• 1/2 c Feta cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In food processor, mix sausage, 1/2 of the hamburger meat, sour cream, Smokin’ Mary mix, egg, onions and garlic. Process into a puree.

Transfer to bowl.

Add Ritz to the processor and grind to a fine crumb. Add to bowl with others ingredients. Mix together with a wooden spoon. Next,  add the remaining hamburger meat.  

Make 1 inch balls and place on a cookie sheet. 
Bake 20 minutes, then flip each ball and bake for additional 15 minutes (until both sides are nicely browned).

​Mix with sauce and serve.