Sweet Chili Meatballs are a delicious blend of savory and sweet flavors, perfect for any occasion.
These tender meatballs are coated in a mouthwatering sweet chili sauce that adds a bit of heat without overpowering the dish.
Whether served as an appetizer at a party or paired with rice for a satisfying meal, Sweet Chili Meatballs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
The combination of juicy meat and tangy, slightly spicy sauce makes them a favorite for both kids and adults. Simple to make and bursting with flavor, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again!
How To Make Sweet Chili Meatballs?
Preparation Times: 15 minutes
Cooking Times: 20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Yields: Serves 4
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or whisk
- Garlic press (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the meatball mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, salt, and chili powder. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. I like to use my hands to blend everything evenly, but you can use a spatula if you prefer.
Step 2: Form the meatballs
Using your hands, shape the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter). Place each one onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. This should yield around 20-25 meatballs depending on the size.
Step 3: Bake the meatballs
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and pour oil as measured. When the oil is hot bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. Make sure to check one of the larger meatballs to ensure there is no pink in the center.
Step 4: Make the sweet chili sauce
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine sweet chili sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sauce becomes smooth and thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).
Step 5: Coat the meatballs
Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven. Gently toss them in the sweet chili sauce until they are fully coated. I like to let the meatballs sit in the sauce for a minute to absorb the flavors.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Place the meatballs on a serving plate and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts Of Sweet Chili Meatballs
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 16g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
Serving Suggestions
❖ Serve them over steamed jasmine rice for a quick and easy dinner.
❖ Pair them with noodles and stir-fried vegetables for an Asian-inspired meal.
❖ Make them a crowd-pleaser by serving them as an appetizer at parties with toothpicks.
Tips and Variations
Make it spicy: If you prefer a bit more heat, increase the chili powder or add some crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
Switch up the protein: You can swap ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or even pork, depending on your preference.
Add veggies: Grate some carrots or zucchini into the meatball mixture for added nutrients and texture.
Special Note
For a gluten-free version, you can substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and make sure your sweet chili sauce and ketchup are gluten-free.
FAQS
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance, store them in the fridge, and then bake them when you’re ready. The sauce can also be made a day ahead.
Can I use store-bought sweet chili sauce?
Yes, store-bought sauce works great, but if you prefer to make your own, you can control the sweetness and spice to your liking.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stove.
Conclusion
Sweet Chili Meatballs are the perfect combination of sweet and spicy, offering a mouthwatering experience with every bite.
They’re simple to prepare and versatile enough to serve as a main course or a delightful party appetizer.
I always enjoy making them because they’re a big hit with both family and friends. I hope you try this recipe and make it your own by adding your favorite twists.
Sweet Chili Meatballs
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or whisk
- Garlic press (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon green onions chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, salt, and chili powder. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. I like to use my hands to really blend everything evenly, but you can use a spatula if you prefer.
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter). Place each one onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. This should yield around 20-25 meatballs depending on the size.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and pour oil as measured. When the oil is hot bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. Make sure to check one of the larger meatballs to ensure there is no pink in the center.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine sweet chili sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sauce becomes smooth and thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).
- Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven. Gently toss them in the sweet chili sauce until they are fully coated. I like to let the meatballs sit in the sauce for a minute to absorb the flavors.
- Place the meatballs on a serving plate and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Notes
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.