September 18, 2024
Appetizers

Bison Meatballs Recipe

These bison meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with savory flavors using a blend of herbs and spices. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, they pair wonderfully with a sweet and tangy maple bourbon barbecue sauce for an elevated twist on a classic meatball.

Why This Recipe Works

Packed with Flavor: These bison meatballs are packed with flavor! Bison is naturally leaner than beef, so combining it with parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and milk keeps the meatballs moist and tender. The blend of bold spices adds depth while smoking the meatballs infuses them with a subtle, smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with BBQ sauce. For those opting for the oven method, you still get juicy, flavorful meatballs that are easy to whip up on busy nights!

Adaptable: Not only can you opt to smoke or bake these meatballs, but you can also adapt them to whatever flavor profile you would like! The neutral yet flavorful meatballs pair well with a variety of sauces, from tangy BBQ to classic marinara, making them versatile for many dishes.

Supplies Needed

Mixing Bowl
Wire Rack
Sheet Pan

Ingredients

Ground Bison: Bison is a great option for making meatballs. It is leaner than beef but still richer in flavor!
Panko Bread Crumbs: Light and airy breadcrumbs help absorb moisture and give the meatballs their tender texture.
Parmesan Cheese: For an added salty flavor!
Egg & Milk: Egg and milk both help to bind the meatballs together and ensure they stay as moist as possible.
Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce adds a tangy umami flavor that complements the rich bison.
Onion & Garlic: These aromatics help to add a depth of flavor to the bison meatballs!
Parsley: Fresh parsley is best if you have it, but adding dried parsley in a pinch will work, too. Add about 1 tablespoon dried instead.
Spices: I used paprika, oregano, salt & pepper to season up these bison meatballs to perfection!

Preparation

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground bison, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, milk, garlic, onion, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Form into Balls: Mix until just combined, making sure not to overwork the mixture. Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack (depending on if you’re baking or smoking- see details below).

Cooking Instructions

Oven Baked:

Preheat & Prep: Preheat the oven to 375 F. and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Bake: Place the meatballs onto the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the meatballs have reached an internal temperature of 165 F.
Serve: Add to your favorite sauce (BBQ, tomato, etc.) and serve as desired.

Smoked Bison Meatballs:

Preheat: Preheat the smoker to 225 F. and add a mixture of cherry and pecan wood.
Smoke: Place the meatballs onto a wire rack for easier transfer on and off the smoker. Add the meatballs to the grill grates and smoke for 1.5 hours.
Add to Sauce: Remove the meatballs and place them into a pan with BBQ sauce (or tomato sauce) and then back onto the smoker to finish cooking for 20-30 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 F.
Serve: Once cooked, remove from the grill and serve as desired.

What To Pair With Bison Meatballs

This bison meatball recipe is super versatile and can be paired with so many different things! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve them:

Cocktail Meatballs: Serve these bison meatballs drenched in your favorite sauces as a fun appetizer idea! My favorite sauce to use here is my maple bourbon BBQ sauce, but you can use a variety of different sauces.
Spaghetti and Meatballs: Replace your regular meatballs with these bison meatballs the next time you make spaghetti and meatballs or my homemade spaghettios with meatballs!
BBQ Meatball Sliders: Smother the meatballs in BBQ sauce and serve them on slider buns for a fun, smoky bite-sized meal.
Grain Bowls: Pair the meatballs with quinoa or cauliflower rice, some roasted Italian vegetables, and a tangy lemon dill sauce drizzled on top for a wholesome meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe with ground beef instead of bison?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef if bison isn’t available! Bison’s flavor is slightly sweeter and less fatty than beef, so the texture may be a bit different.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop in sauce.

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