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Mashed Potato-Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

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4.2 from 4 reviews

These Mashed Potato-Stuffed Meatballs are a delicious and comforting appetizer that combines savory meatballs with creamy mashed potato centers, all smothered in tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for parties or as a hearty snack, they offer a delightful twist on classic meatballs with an easy preparation using instant mashed potatoes.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Meatball Mixture

  • 1 lb ground beef, bison, or turkey
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/4 cup onion, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Mashed Potato Filling

  • 1 package Idaho Spuds instant mashed potatoes (flavor of your choice)

Sauce

  • 1 bottle (12 oz) of your favorite BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Follow the package directions on the Idaho Spuds instant mashed potatoes to prepare the mashed potato mixture. Once prepared, form the mashed potatoes into small balls about 1 teaspoon in size. Place these on a baking sheet and freeze them until firm to make handling easier.
  2. Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat of your choice, minced onion, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything by hand until well incorporated.
  3. Assemble the Meatballs: Take a portion of the meat mixture and form it into a flat circle. Gently wrap the meat around each frozen mashed potato ball, sealing it completely to form a stuffed meatball.
  4. Brown the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed meatballs and brown them on all sides to develop a nice crust. This step locks in moisture and adds flavor.
  5. Cook in Crockpot: Transfer the browned meatballs to a crockpot set on low heat. Pour the 12 oz bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce over the meatballs, then gently stir to coat them evenly.
  6. Simmer: Cover the crockpot and cook the meatballs on low for 2 to 3 hours, allowing them to cook through thoroughly and absorb the BBQ sauce flavors.
  7. Serve: Once cooked, serve the meatballs warm as an appetizer with toothpicks, or over rice for a full meal.

Notes

  • For best results, freeze the mashed potato balls before wrapping them with meat to prevent falling apart.
  • These meatballs can be made in advance and reheated in the crockpot.
  • Use the BBQ sauce flavor you enjoy the most to customize the taste profile.
  • Serve as bite-sized appetizers or pair with a side salad or rice for a more substantial meal.