
Cowboy Butter Meatballs
Ingredients
- 6 slicebacon
divided
- 1 lb85/15 lean ground beef
- ½ cpanko
Japanese-style breadcrumbs
- 2 ozParmesan cheese
- 1 largeegg
- ¼ cfresh flat-leaf parsley
plus more for garnish
- ¼ cyellow onion
from 1 small [5 oz.] onion
- ½ tspblack pepper
- 6 mediumgarlic cloves
- 2 tbspcanned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
plus 2 Tbsp. sauce, divided
- 2 tbspWorcestershire sauce
divided
- 2 tspchili powder
divided
- 1 ¼ tspkosher salt
divided
- 1 ¼ cbeef stock
- 2 tbspunsulphured molasses
- 1 tbspwhole-grain mustard
- 1 ½ tspcornstarch
- ¼ cbourbon
- 3 tbspunsalted butter
cut into 1/2-in. pieces
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Cooked long-grain white rice
for serving
Directions
- 1
Finely chop 4 slices of the bacon and place in a large bowl. Add beef, panko, Parmesan, egg, parsley, onion, pepper, 1 tablespoon of the garlic, 1 tablespoon of the chipotle chiles, 1 tablespoon of the adobo sauce, 1 tablespoon of the Worcestershire, 1 teaspoon of the chili powder, and 1 teaspoon of the salt; mix with clean hands until well combined. Roll mixture into 24 (about 1 1/4 oz. each) balls; set aside.
- 2
Chop remaining 2 slices of bacon and cook in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium, stirring occasionally, until crispy, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a small, paper towel-lined plate, reserving drippings in skillet; set aside.
- 3
Heat reserved drippings over medium. Add half of the meatballs, and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on most sides, 6 to 8 minutes (meatballs will not be cooked through). Transfer to a large plate, and repeat with remaining half of meatballs. Set 1 tablespoon of the drippings aside; discard remaining drippings. Wipe skillet clean.
- 4
Whisk together stock, molasses, mustard, cornstarch, and remaining 1 tablespoon adobo sauce, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a liquid measuring cup. Heat reserved 1 tablespoon drippings over medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon garlic, 1 tablespoon chipotle chiles, and 1 teaspoon chili powder; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add bourbon, and cook, stirring constantly, until almost completely evaporated, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add stock mixture.
- 5
Bring stock mixture to a simmer over medium, then add reserved meatballs; cook over medium-low, gently stirring occasionally, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of meatballs registers 160°F, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat, and gently stir in butter, a few pieces at a time, until melted and sauce is smooth. Garnish with parsley and reserved bacon, and serve with rice.

Cowboy Butter Meatballs
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About this Recipe
Cowboy Butter Meatballs: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal
Prepare for a flavor explosion with these incredible Cowboy Butter Meatballs! This isn't just any meatball recipe; it's a culinary journey where tender, perfectly browned meatballs meet a rich, complex sauce that's truly unforgettable. Imagine savory beef meatballs, laced with Parmesan and fresh parsley, all bathed in a luscious Cowboy Butter sauce. It’s got that perfect balance of smoky bacon, a kick from chipotle, a touch of sweetness from molasses, and the sophisticated depth of bourbon and Worcestershire.
What makes these Cowboy Butter Meatballs stand out? It's all in that glorious sauce! We start by rendering bacon for irresistible smoky flavor, then build a buttery foundation infused with aromatic garlic, spicy chipotle, and robust chili powder. The addition of beef stock, sweet molasses, tangy whole-grain mustard, and a splash of bourbon creates a rich, multi-layered experience that coats every single meatball to perfection. The result is a dish that's both comforting and exciting, making it ideal for a special family dinner or a delightful meal prep option.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
These Cowboy Butter Meatballs are incredibly versatile. They pair wonderfully with a bed of fluffy long-grain white rice to soak up every last drop of that amazing sauce. Beyond rice, consider serving them with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Egg noodles or pasta
- Polenta
- A side of roasted vegetables
Want to customize your Cowboy Butter Meatballs? Feel free to adjust the heat by adding more or less chipotle. For an extra touch of freshness, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley right before serving is always a good idea. Get ready to add this impressive yet approachable recipe to your regular rotation!