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Sweet Chili Meatballs

Sweet Chili Meatballs

Sweet Chili Meatballs are a flavorful dish featuring juicy meatballs coated in a tangy, sweet chili sauce with a hint of spice. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, this simple recipe delivers a delicious balance of sweet and savory in every bite.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 280 kcal

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

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.
Keyword Chili,, Meatballs, Sweet Chili Meatballs, Sweet,