Chili and Jelly Meatballs are the perfect sweet and spicy appetizer, combining tender, savory meatballs with a tangy and sticky sauce. This crowd-pleasing dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for game days, parties, or potlucks. The combination of chili sauce and jelly creates a flavorful glaze that clings to the meatballs, offering an irresistible balance of heat and sweetness. Serve them with toothpicks for an easy finger food or alongside rice for a hearty meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chili sauce
- 1 cup grape jelly (or any fruit jelly of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the chili sauce, grape jelly, soy sauce (if using), and red pepper flakes. Stir until the jelly melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the saucepan with the sauce. Stir to coat the meatballs evenly in the sauce, and simmer for 5-10 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Serve hot as an appetizer or over rice for a delicious meal.
Enjoy these sweet and spicy meatballs that are sure to be a hit!
