Hot Pepper Jelly Meatballs (Printer-Friendly Version)
Savory meatballs coated in a sticky hot pepper jelly sauce offering a perfect sweet and spicy balance.
# Ingredients Needed:
→ Meatballs
01 -
1 lb ground beef or turkey
02 -
½ cup breadcrumbs
03 -
1 large egg
04 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 tbsp grated onion or onion powder
06 -
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
07 -
1 tsp salt
08 -
½ tsp black pepper
09 -
1 tbsp milk or water
→ Hot Pepper Jelly Sauce
10 -
1 cup hot pepper jelly
11 -
¼ cup ketchup
12 -
2 tbsp soy sauce
13 -
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
14 -
1 tbsp honey or brown sugar (optional)
15 -
1 tsp garlic powder
→ Optional Garnishes
16 -
Chopped fresh parsley or green onions
17 -
Steamed rice or mashed potatoes for serving
18 -
Toothpicks for appetizers
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 -
Combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and milk in a large bowl. Mix until evenly combined.
02 -
Shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter meatballs, producing approximately 24 pieces.
03 -
Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange meatballs on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes until cooked through and browned. Alternatively, pan-fry meatballs over medium heat until golden and cooked through.
04 -
While meatballs cook, combine hot pepper jelly, ketchup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey (if using), and garlic powder in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until jelly melts and sauce is smooth and thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Reduce heat to low to keep warm.
05 -
Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and toss gently to coat. Simmer together for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
06 -
Transfer to a serving dish or slow cooker set to warm. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions. Serve warm with toothpicks as an appetizer or over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes as a main course.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
Use lean ground meat to prevent greasy sauce. Pre-cooking meatballs helps them hold shape and develop flavor. Apple cider vinegar balances sweetness and heat in the sauce. Prepare in advance and keep warm in a slow cooker for ease of serving.