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Meatballs are a cherished dish around the world, loved for their hearty texture and flexibility in flavor. Whether enjoyed in Italian spaghetti, Swedish gravy, or Asian-inspired sauces, meatballs have secured their place as a comfort food staple in countless households. Today, we present a delightful variation that promises to ignite your taste buds: Easy Firecracker Meatballs. These meatballs pack a spicy punch, with a balance of sweetness and heat that makes them perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to lively game days and festive celebrations.

Easy Firecracker Meatballs Recipe (Hello Fresh Copycat)

Spice up your dinner with these easy firecracker meatballs! Made with ground beef or turkey, they come together in just 15 minutes and bake to perfection in 20-25 minutes. Coated in a delicious sweet chili sauce with a kick, these meatballs are a crowd-pleaser. Serve them hot as an appetizer or over rice for a tasty main dish. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Get ready to impress your guests with this simple yet flavorful recipe!

Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 egg, beaten

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference)

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

1 cup sweet chili sauce

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp sriracha (optional, for extra heat)

1 tbsp sesame oil (optional, for flavor)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

      Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, form meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

        Bake the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and are lightly browned.

          Prepare the Firecracker Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sriracha (if using), and sesame oil (if using). Heat over medium heat until just warmed through, stirring to combine.

            Coat the Meatballs: Once the meatballs are done baking, drizzle them with the firecracker sauce and toss gently to coat.

              Serve: Transfer the meatballs to a serving platter and sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish. Enjoy them hot as an appetizer or serve them over rice or noodles for a delicious main dish.

                Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 40 min | Servings: 4-6