Sweet Chili Meatballs Recipe

If you are looking for an easy appetizer that disappears fast, this chili meatballs recipe is always a hit.

It is perfect for game day, family parties, or any gathering where you want something warm and flavorful without a lot of prep.

This chili meatball recipe combines sweet and spicy flavors that both kids and adults like.

It is worth trying, as it works as both an appetizer and a main dish and comes together with minimal effort.

Sweet Chili Meatballs

Try this chili meatballs recipe for tender bites with a sweet heat that works as an appetizer or simple dinner.

Print Recipe

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main Dish

Servings 10

Calories 377 kcal

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  

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For the Meatballs

• 2 lbs Ground Beef
• 6 Green Onions finely chopped including the green parts
• 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
• ½ teaspoon Ground Pepper
• ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder or 4 garlic gloves minced
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
• 2 Eggs slightly beaten
• 1 cup Bread Crumbs

For the Bread Crumbs

• 4 slices of Toast

For the Sauce

• 1-12 oz Chili Sauce
• 1- 15.5 oz Low Sugar Concord Grape Jelly

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• In a large mixing bowl add 2 lbs Ground Beef, 6 Green Onions, 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt, ½ teaspoon Ground Pepper, ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes, 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder, 1 teaspoon Chili Powder, 2 Eggs, and 1 cup Bread Crumbs.

  See how to make homemade bread crumbs below.
• Mix all ingredients well, then shape into evenly sized meatballs that are golf ball sized.
• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and place meatballs in even rows.
• Cook for 30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the meatballs reach 165 degrees F.
• When the meatballs come out of the oven, you will notice the fat that has settled around the meatballs. Simply scrape the fat off with a spoon before transferring them in the sauce.

Homemade Bread Crumbs

• Toast bread, tear into pieces, and place in a high rpm blender or food processor. Blend or pulse until you have bread crumbs, then pour bread crumbs into the meat mixture.

Making the Sauce

• While your meatballs are in the oven add chili sauce and grape jelly to a large cooking skillet or crock pot and combine well. If placing meatballs in a crock pot heat sauce on high and adjust temperature to warm once heated. If heating sauce on the stove top, heat sauce on low.
• When your meatballs are ready transfer them into the sauce and coat the meatballs evenly.
• Serve warm and Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 3 MeatballsCalories: 377kcalCarbohydrates: 68.2gProtein: 14.9gFat: 6.1gSaturated Fat: 1.6gCholesterol: 92mgSodium: 4502mgPotassium: 773mgFiber: 8gSugar: 39.6gVitamin D: 7µgCalcium: 138mgIron: 9mg

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If you are curious about what the meatballs should look like before entering the oven, here is what mine look like.

How to Store Leftover Sweet Chili Meatballs

In the Fridge

• Allow the meatballs to cool completely.
• Store them in the sauce in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Keeping them submerged in sauce helps the meatballs stay tender and flavorful.

In the Freezer

These freeze really well!

• Allow the meatballs to cool completely.
• Transfer meatballs and sauce to freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Leave a little room for expansion.
• Freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Be sure to label the container so you don't forget what deliciousness is inside!

How to Reheat Leftovers

Stovetop - Best Overall

This keeps the sauce smooth and glossy.

• Add meatballs and sauce to a saucepan.
• Heat on low to medium-low.
• Stir gently so the sauce doesn't burn.
• If the sauce thickens, add a splash of water or beef broth.
• Heat until warmed through.

Microwave - Fast & Easy

Great for smaller portions.

• Place meatballs and sauce in a microwave-safe bowl.
• Cover loosely.
• Heat in 30-45-second intervals, stirring between, until the desired temperature is reached.

From Frozen

• Thaw overnight in the fridge when you can.
• Reheat using the stovetop method.
• Add a little liquid to the sauce if it looks too thick.

More Appetizer Recipes

Delicious appetizers are the best part of any successful gathering! Here are a few more delicious ideas.

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