These Beer Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and simmered in a rich, malty beer glaze that clings to every bite.

Whether you serve them over mashed potatoes, in hoagie rolls, or straight off a toothpick at your next party, these meatballs bring beer-soaked comfort in every bite.

You can bake them, sear them, or toss them in the slow cooker — and the beer sauce does all the flavor work.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a 50/50 mix with pork or sausage)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1–2 tbsp beer (same one you’ll use in the sauce)

For the Beer Sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1 cup beer (amber ale, brown ale, or stout — see notes)
• ¼ cup ketchup or BBQ sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp soy sauce or Worcestershire
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: chili flakes for kick, or hot sauce for heat

Beer Tip: Go with a malty, smooth beer like an amber ale, Vienna lager, brown ale, or even a stout. Avoid bitter IPAs — the hops get harsh when reduced.

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Mix all meatball ingredients in a large bowl until just combined — don’t overwork.
• Roll into 1½-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
  (Or pan-sear in batches until browned on all sides.)

Step 2: Make the Beer Sauce

• In a skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes to make a quick roux.
• Slowly pour in beer, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

• Add ketchup/BBQ, brown sugar, mustard, and seasonings.
• Simmer for 6–8 minutes, stirring, until thickened and glossy.

Step 3: Combine

Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and stir to coat.

Simmer together for 5–10 minutes to let flavors marry.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve With:
  • Mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles
  • Garlic bread or soft rolls
  • Steamed rice or roasted veggies
• Party Style:
  • Serve in a slow cooker on warm
  • Stick with toothpicks
  • Garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds

Beer Pairing

• In the sauce:
  • Amber ale or brown ale (classic match)
  • Stout (for richer, bolder flavor)
  • Vienna lager or Märzen (balanced and malty)
• In your glass:
  • The same beer you used
  • Cream ale or pale ale for a lighter contrast
  • A porter for deeper pairing

Final Thoughts

Beer Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and made for every occasion — weeknight dinner, party platter, game-day snack, or cozy meal with a cold beer.

They’re low-effort, high-reward, and packed with flavor thanks to a simmer in sweet, savory, beer-spiked sauce.

Cheers to meatballs that come with a pint! 🍺🧆🔥

Explore Our Top Cooking-with-Beer Recipes 🍺 🍺

From crispy beer-battered classics to bold mains, cheesy dips, breads, and even desserts — these roundups bring together the best of beer-infused cooking. Whether you’re hosting a game day, planning a backyard BBQ, or just experimenting in the kitchen, there’s a beer recipe collection for every craving.

• 🍽️ Cooking with Beer (Main Hub) – Your ultimate guide to cooking with beer, from mains to apps and desserts.
• 🥨 Beer-Battered Appetizers and Sides – – Crispy onion rings, fried pickles, mushrooms, zucchini, & more pub-style favorites with a golden beer crunch.
• 🍞 Beer Bread Recipes – From 2-ingredient quick breads to jalapeño cheese loaves.
• 🧀 Beer Cheese & Dips – Beer cheese soup, queso, nachos, ranch dip & more.
• 🍖 Beer Can Chicken & Grilled Mains – Bold, juicy recipes straight from the grill.
• 🌶️ Beer Infused Chili’s – Hearty, bold, and slow-simmered beer-infused chili.
• 🍻 Beer Mac & Cheese – Creamy, quick& easy, made to impress.
• 🍰 Beer-Infused Desserts & Sweets – Sweet treats made better with beer.
• 🎉 Oktoberfest & Seasonal Ideas – Perfect pairings for parties, fall feasts, and festive gatherings.