Sweet and Spicy Meatballs

Discover the perfect blend of savory and sweet with our Sweet and Spicy Meatballs recipe. These delectable meatballs are coated in a tantalizing sauce that's sure to please any palate. Whether you're hosting a party or seeking a quick and flavorful meal, these juicy meatballs are an ideal choice. Elevate your appetizer or main course game with this irresistible dish!

5 from 20 votes

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Course: Appetizers, Entree, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Appetizer, Easy Recipe, party meatball recipe, Sweet and Spicy Meatballs

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 25

Total Time: 45

Servings:

Calories: 83kcal

Ingredients

MEATBALLS:

1 lb ground beef
⅓ cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1 packet Lipton Onion Soup Mix

SAUCE:

1 12-oz jar chili sauce
¾ jelly (grape, raspberry, or apricot)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and Lipton Onion Soup Mix until well combined.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch size meatballs and place them on the prepared cookie sheet.
Bake the meatballs for 18-25 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remember to flip them halfway through baking for even cooking.
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, combine the chili sauce and jelly. Stir until the jelly is melted and the sauce is bubbling.
Once the meatballs are cooked, toss them in the hot sauce until they are evenly coated.
Serve the Sweet and Spicy Meatballs immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Pro Tips:

Mixing Technique: When combining the ingredients for your meatballs, use your hands to mix gently. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs, so aim for just enough mixing to incorporate everything evenly.
Sauce Thickness: Adjust the thickness of your sauce by adding more or less jelly. If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of jelly slightly. For a thinner sauce, add a little more jelly or a splash of water.

Alternatives to Consider:

Vegetarian Option: Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based alternative like lentils, chickpeas, or mushrooms to create vegetarian meatballs. Just be sure to adjust the seasonings and cooking times accordingly.
Gluten-Free Option: If you're gluten-sensitive or following a gluten-free diet, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in place of traditional breadcrumbs. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as the onion soup mix and chili sauce, are also gluten-free.
Sauce Variations: Experiment with different sauces to change up the flavor profile of your meatballs. Instead of chili sauce and jelly, you can try using barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, or buffalo sauce for a unique twist.
Meat Options: While beef is the traditional choice for meatballs, you can also use ground turkey, chicken, pork, or a combination of meats to suit your taste preferences. Each type of meat will impart its own flavor to the dish, so feel free to mix and match!

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