Sweet & Spicy Meatballs

Featured in Tempting Appetizers.

These party-perfect meatballs combine seasoned ground beef with a quick homemade sweet-spicy sauce. Made with simple ingredients and ready in under an hour.

Sarah
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:35:07 GMT
A close-up of a bowl filled with glazed meatballs resting on a bed of noodles, garnished with a blue napkin in the background. Pin it
A close-up of a bowl filled with glazed meatballs resting on a bed of noodles, garnished with a blue napkin in the background. | kitchenscroll.com

These Sweet and Spicy Meatballs bring party perfect flavor in every bite. Through testing I've perfected the balance of savory meat and simple two ingredient sauce. They've become my go to for gatherings where everyone asks for the recipe.

Pure Party Magic

Lipton onion soup mix creates incredible depth while that sweet spicy sauce takes them over the top. Quick enough for casual nights special enough for holidays.

Your Kitchen Essentials

Good lean beef or turkey creates the base breadcrumbs add perfect texture. That onion soup mix brings amazing flavor while chili sauce and jelly create magic together.

Creating Your Meatballs

Mix meat gently with seasonings shape into bites bake until golden. Meanwhile warm sauce ingredients until bubbling then toss everything together. Simple steps create pure comfort.

A close-up of a frying pan filled with glistening meatballs coated in a rich brown sauce. Pin it
A close-up of a frying pan filled with glistening meatballs coated in a rich brown sauce. | kitchenscroll.com

Mix It Up

Try different jellies add vinegar splash use BBQ sauce. Each version brings new excitement while staying simple.

Keep Them Fresh

Store up to four days reheat gently sauce stays perfect. Freeze plain meatballs make fresh sauce when serving.

Party Perfect

Make ahead warm in slow cooker during parties. Easy entertaining lets you enjoy the gathering.

Perfect Partners

Serve alongside other appetizers use in sliders pair with rice. Their versatility makes menu planning simple.

A close-up image of glazed meatballs on a plate, with one meatball partially bitten to reveal its interior, and skewers inserted into some of them. Pin it
A close-up image of glazed meatballs on a plate, with one meatball partially bitten to reveal its interior, and skewers inserted into some of them. | kitchenscroll.com

Making Them Perfect

Mix gently use scoop for size check temperature carefully. These details ensure perfect results.

Make Them Yours

Try different meats add extra spice boost umami with soy. Each twist creates new favorites.

Feeding a Crowd

Double triple easily for big groups. Slow cooker keeps everything warm and ready.

Serving Style

Display with toothpicks garnish prettily offer extra sauce. Simple touches make party food special.

A close-up of a bowl filled with glossy, brown, sticky meatballs. Pin it
A close-up of a bowl filled with glossy, brown, sticky meatballs. | kitchenscroll.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of jelly works best?

Grape, raspberry, or apricot jelly all work well in this recipe. Each adds its own unique sweetness to balance the spicy chili sauce.

→ Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the meatballs ahead and reheat them in the sauce when ready to serve. The sauce should be made fresh for best results.

→ How do I know when the meatballs are done?

Meatballs should be browned on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This typically takes 18-25 minutes of baking.

→ Can I keep these warm for a party?

These meatballs can be kept warm in a slow cooker on low setting. The sauce helps keep them moist and flavorful.

→ What's the best way to form even-sized meatballs?

Use about 1 inch of meat mixture and roll between your palms to form uniform balls. Consistent size ensures even cooking throughout.

Conclusion

These party-perfect meatballs combine seasoned ground beef with a quick homemade sweet-spicy sauce. Made with simple ingredients and ready in under an hour.

Sweet & Spicy Meatballs

Tender homemade meatballs coated in a sweet and spicy sauce made from chili sauce and jelly. An easy crowd-pleasing appetizer ready in 45 minutes.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Savory Snacks

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 25 Servings (25 meatballs)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 pound ground beef.
02 1/3 cup breadcrumbs.
03 1 large egg.
04 1 packet Lipton Onion Soup Mix.
05 12 ounces chili sauce.
06 3/4 cup jelly (grape, raspberry or apricot).

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine beef, breadcrumbs, egg and onion soup mix in large bowl.

Step 03

Roll mixture into 1-inch balls. Place on sheet without touching.

Step 04

Bake 18-25 minutes until browned and 165°F internal temp. Flip halfway.

Step 05

Heat chili sauce and jelly in skillet until melted and bubbling.

Step 06

Toss hot meatballs in sauce and serve immediately.

Notes

  1. Perfect for parties and entertaining.
  2. Can use different jellies for varied flavor.

Tools You'll Need

  • Cookie sheet.
  • Large skillet.
  • Mixing bowl.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Wheat.
  • Egg.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 83
  • Total Fat: 4 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 4 g