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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.

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

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

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/sweet-and-spicy-meatballs/