Big John’s Southern Buttermilk Meatballs are a savory delight that brings the heart and soul of Southern cuisine right to your table. With a cook time of just 30 minutes and a total time of 40 minutes, these meatballs are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Prepared with ground beef, milk, onion, and a blend of spices, these meatballs are simmered in a rich buttermilk sauce that’s sure to please the palate.
To begin crafting these mouthwatering meatballs, gather your ingredients: 1 pound of ground beef, 3/4 cup of milk, 3/4 cup of bread crumbs, 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/4 cup of butter, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of sugar, 2 cups of buttermilk, and 2 tablespoons of prepared mustard. With these ingredients at the ready, you’re well on your way to culinary bliss.
Start by combining the ground beef, milk, bread crumbs, onion, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated, ensuring that every bite of your meatballs is packed with flavor. Once mixed, shape the mixture into 16 evenly-sized balls, ready to be cooked to perfection.
In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter until it sizzles invitingly. Then, carefully add the meatballs to the skillet, taking care to brown them well on all sides. This step is crucial for locking in the savory flavors of the beef and creating a deliciously crispy exterior.
Once the meatballs are beautifully browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside momentarily. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and allow it to melt before blending in the flour, sugar, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir these ingredients together until they form a fragrant roux, creating a base for the luscious buttermilk sauce.
Now, it’s time to introduce the star ingredient: buttermilk. Pour the buttermilk into the skillet, along with the prepared mustard, and stir continuously until the sauce begins to thicken. This creamy, tangy sauce is the perfect complement to the robust flavors of the meatballs, creating a harmonious marriage of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds.
Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, reduce the heat and gently return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the velvety sauce. Cover the skillet and allow the meatballs to simmer gently for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and infuse every bite with Southern comfort.
After 25 minutes of simmering, your Big John’s Southern Buttermilk Meatballs are ready to be enjoyed. Serve them hot alongside your favorite sides, such as creamy mashed potatoes or buttery cornbread, for a meal that’s sure to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. With their rich flavor and tender texture, these meatballs are destined to become a staple in your recipe repertoire, bringing a taste of the South to every bite.
