Baked Meatballs in Guinness Sauce Recipe
Introduction
These baked meatballs in Guinness sauce combine rich, hearty flavors with a touch of sweetness and tang. Perfect for a cozy dinner, they offer a delicious twist on traditional meatballs enhanced by the deep notes of stout beer.

Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup Guinness Stout
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- ½ cup seasoned stuffing mix, processed into fine crumbs
- For the Guinness sauce:
- 2 cans (11.2 oz each) Guinness Stout
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 1½ tablespoons molasses
- 2 teaspoons dry mustard
- ½ onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 4 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, pepper, finely chopped onion, stuffing mix crumbs, Guinness stout, and egg. Mix well and form into meatballs.
- Step 3: Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until cooked through.
- Step 4: While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, combine Guinness stout, BBQ sauce, honey, molasses, dry mustard, chopped onion, and garlic salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Step 5: Return the sauce to a boil. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the sauce and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Step 6: Add the baked meatballs to the thickened sauce, stirring gently to coat. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra tenderness, soak the stuffing mix in a little milk before adding it to the meatball mixture.
- Use a mix of ground beef and pork for a richer flavor.
- Swap BBQ sauce with a smoky chipotle sauce for a spicier kick.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch in small increments until it reaches your desired consistency.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also freeze the meatballs and sauce separately for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of beer instead of Guinness?
Yes, you can substitute another stout or dark beer, but the flavor may vary. Guinness offers a distinctive rich and malty taste that complements the meatballs well.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare and bake the meatballs in advance, then store them separately from the sauce. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and combine with the meatballs.
PrintBaked Meatballs in Guinness Sauce Recipe
Delicious baked meatballs infused with Guinness stout and seasoned stuffing mix, served in a rich, flavorful Guinness BBQ sauce with honey and molasses. This hearty and savory dish combines the deep flavors of stout beer with sweet and tangy elements, making it perfect for a comforting dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish-inspired
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup Guinness Stout
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- ½ cup seasoned stuffing mix, processed into fine crumbs (e.g., Pepperidge Farms)
Guinness Sauce
- 2 bottles (11.2 oz each) Guinness stout
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 1½ tablespoon molasses
- 2 teaspoons dry mustard
- ½ onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 4 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, pepper, finely chopped onion, seasoned stuffing mix processed into fine crumbs, Guinness stout, and an egg. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form and bake meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs of your preferred size and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until cooked through and browned on the outside.
- Make Guinness sauce: While the meatballs bake, pour the two bottles of Guinness stout, BBQ sauce, honey, molasses, dry mustard, chopped onion, and garlic salt into a large skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer for about 10 minutes to develop flavors.
- Thicken the sauce: Return the sauce to a boil. Stir the cornstarch slurry (4 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of sauce) into the boiling sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Combine and serve: Add the baked meatballs into the thickened Guinness sauce, gently mixing to coat. Serve warm for a rich and comforting meal.
Notes
- For best results, use seasoned stuffing mix for added flavor and texture in the meatballs.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by varying the amount of cornstarch slurry.
- These meatballs can be served over mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Leftover meatballs and sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Keywords: Baked meatballs, Guinness sauce, Irish recipe, savory meatballs, BBQ sauce, hearty dinner

