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Sweet Chili Glazed Meatballs Recipe

5 from 131 reviews

Sweet Chili Glazed Meatballs are a delightful appetizer featuring tender, baked meatballs coated in a sweet and slightly spicy chili sauce. Perfect for parties, game days, or family dinners, these meatballs combine savory ground beef with flavorful herbs and spices, finished with a sticky, tangy glaze that adds a delicious kick. Easy to prepare and great for serving with toothpicks for casual snacking.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey/pork)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tablespoons dried parsley)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

For the Sweet Chili Glaze:

  • 1 cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix gently until just combined to avoid dense meatballs. Shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until they are browned and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  4. Prepare the Sweet Chili Glaze: While the meatballs bake, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir to combine. For a thicker glaze, whisk together cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then add to the saucepan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
  5. Glaze the Meatballs: Remove the cooked meatballs from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warmed sweet chili glaze over the meatballs and gently toss to coat them evenly with the sauce.
  6. Serve: Transfer the glazed meatballs to a serving platter. Garnish with extra chopped parsley or sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm with toothpicks for easy and delicious snacking.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or pork for a lighter or different flavor profile.
  • For added nutrition and flavor, finely chopped bell peppers or onions can be mixed into the meatball mixture.
  • Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of red pepper flakes or by adding Sriracha to the glaze.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
  • Freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 2 months; thaw completely before baking and glazing.
  • Use homemade sweet chili sauce for a personalized flavor and control over sweetness and heat.

Keywords: sweet chili glazed meatballs, party meatballs, appetizer recipes, baked meatballs, spicy sweet glaze, easy party food, game day recipes