Sweet and Spicy Meatballs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These meatballs are easy to make, full of flavor, and endlessly versatile. The sweet and spicy sauce is simple but packs a punch, transforming basic meatballs into something crave-worthy. You can serve them on their own, over rice, or with toothpicks for easy sharing. They also freeze well and reheat beautifully, making them great for meal prep or entertaining.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the meatballs:

• Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs
• Garlic (minced)
• Onion (grated or finely chopped)
• Salt and pepper
• Milk
• Worcestershire sauce (optional)

For the sauce:

• Chili sauce or hot sauce (adjust heat to taste)
• Brown sugar or honey
• Soy sauce
• Ketchup
• Vinegar (apple cider or white)
• Garlic (minced)
• Red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, milk, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until just combined.
3. Roll mixture into 1 to 1½-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
5. While meatballs bake, make the sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine chili sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened slightly.
6. Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and stir to coat evenly. Let simmer for another 5 minutes.
7. Serve warm, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20–24 small meatballs (4–6 servings).
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Use Turkey or Chicken: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Make it Milder: Reduce or omit red pepper flakes for less heat.
• Make it Spicier: Add sriracha, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
• Asian-Inspired: Add grated ginger and sesame oil to the sauce for a fusion twist.
• Crockpot Version: Add cooked meatballs and sauce to a slow cooker and keep on low for serving at parties.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm in a saucepan over medium heat until hot, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
To freeze, let meatballs cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and reheat before serving.

Can I freeze sweet and spicy meatballs?

Absolutely. Freeze cooked meatballs with or without sauce in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

What kind of ground meat works best?

Ground beef or a mix of beef and pork gives the best flavor, but turkey and chicken also work well.

How spicy are these meatballs?

The heat level can be adjusted by using more or less chili sauce or red pepper flakes.

Can I make these in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook the meatballs first, then transfer them with the sauce to a slow cooker on low heat to keep warm.

What should I serve with sweet and spicy meatballs?

They pair well with rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, or can be served as an appetizer on toothpicks.

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, if you’re short on time, use frozen meatballs and simmer them in the sauce until heated through.

How do I keep the meatballs tender?

Avoid overmixing the meat mixture and use milk and breadcrumbs to help keep them moist.

Can I bake and then broil the meatballs?

Yes, broiling for 1–2 minutes at the end can add a nice caramelized finish.

Are these meatballs gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your sauces are also gluten-free.

Conclusion

Sweet and Spicy Meatballs are the perfect balance of bold heat and rich sweetness, making them an irresistible option for dinner, snacks, or entertaining. They’re quick to make, easy to store, and full of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re serving them for a crowd or keeping leftovers for the week, these meatballs are always a satisfying choice.

Sweet and Spicy Meatballs

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Sweet and Spicy Meatballs are tender, juicy meatballs coated in a sticky glaze that combines bold heat with rich sweetness. Perfect as appetizers or a main dish, they’re easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and packed with flavor.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 20–24 meatballs
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup onion, grated or finely chopped
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup chili sauce or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar or honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp vinegar (apple cider or white)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, milk, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until just combined.
3. Roll into 1 to 1½-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until cooked through and lightly browned.
5. While the meatballs bake, make the sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine chili sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened slightly.
6. Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and stir to coat. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
7. Serve warm, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

• Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the chili sauce and red pepper flakes.
• Use a mix of ground beef and pork for richer flavor and juicier texture.
• These meatballs freeze well, making them great for meal prep or parties.
• For a caramelized finish, broil meatballs for 1–2 minutes after baking.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 meatballs
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 55mg