Imagine a dish that perfectly balances the kick of spice with a delightful sweetness, creating a flavor explosion that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds. These Sweet and Spicy Meatballs are not just another appetizer – they're a culinary experience that transforms ordinary ground beef into a mouthwatering sensation that will become the star of any meal or gathering. Whether you're hosting a game night, family dinner, or looking to impress your friends, these meatballs are about to become your secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 meatballs
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Brown sugar
- Chili sauce
- Mustard
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your meatballs will cook evenly and develop a nice crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef with 1 cup of breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs will help bind the meatballs and keep them moist.
- Crack one egg into the mixture. The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold the meatballs together while they cook.
- Add 1/4 cup of brown sugar to the mixture. This will provide a sweet balance to the spicy elements of the dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of chili sauce and 2 tablespoons of mustard. This will be the base of your sweet and spicy sauce.
- Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper into the meat mixture. These seasonings will enhance the flavor of the meatballs.
- Using your hands, mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Form the mixture into 24 equal-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Once all meatballs are formed, bake them in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This allows them to cook through and develop a nice texture.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining chili sauce mixture and bring it to a simmer.
- After the meatballs have baked for 20 minutes, remove them from the oven and carefully transfer them to the saucepan with the simmering sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs.
- Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 10 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors and become sticky and delicious.
- Remove from heat and let them cool slightly before serving. These sweet and spicy meatballs are perfect as an appetizer or served over rice or pasta for a main dish.
- Enjoy your homemade sweet and spicy meatballs!
Tips
- Meat Mixing Magic: When combining ingredients, use a light touch. Overmixing can make your meatballs tough, so gently fold the ingredients until just combined.
- Size Matters: Try to keep your meatballs uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Using a small ice cream scoop or measuring spoon can help you create consistent portions.
- Moisture is Key: The breadcrumbs and egg are crucial for keeping your meatballs juicy and preventing them from becoming dry.
- Sauce Absorption: Letting the meatballs simmer in the sauce for the final 10 minutes allows them to soak up all those delicious sweet and spicy flavors.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These meatballs can be prepared in advance and reheated, making them perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over rice, pasta, or as a standalone appetizer with toothpicks for easy eating.
- Spice Level Control: Adjust the amount of chili sauce to make the dish more or less spicy according to your preference.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
