Hot Pepper Jelly Meatballs

Sweet, spicy, and irresistibly sticky—these Hot Pepper Jelly Meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or easy weeknight dinner. Juicy meatballs are simmered in a fiery-sweet pepper jelly sauce that’s bold in flavor and quick to prepare. Serve them as a party favorite or over rice for a satisfying meal everyone will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet & Spicy – The hot pepper jelly brings just the right balance of heat and sweetness.
Perfect for Entertaining – Ideal for game nights, potlucks, and holiday parties.
Quick & Easy – Made in one pan with minimal prep.
Family-Friendly – You can adjust the spice level to suit all taste buds.
Versatile – Serve as an appetizer, main course, or even in sliders.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef or ground chicken
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup grated onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Hot Pepper Jelly Sauce:

• 1 cup hot pepper jelly (red or green variety)
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Optional Garnish:

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh parsley

Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowls
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or foil
Large skillet or saucepan
Tongs or spatula
Measuring spoons and cups

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, grated onion, garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
Use clean hands or a spoon to mix until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs (you’ll get about 20-24).
Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil for easy cleanup.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
Option 1 – Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 18-20 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Option 2 – Pan Fry: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches, turning to brown all sides, for about 8-10 minutes total.

Step 4: Make the Hot Pepper Jelly Sauce
While meatballs cook, combine pepper jelly, ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk and bring to a simmer, cooking for 4-5 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 5: Simmer the Meatballs in Sauce
Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce.
Stir to coat each meatball evenly.
Simmer on low heat for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to become sticky.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer meatballs to a serving dish and sprinkle with green onions, sesame seeds, or parsley if desired.
Serve hot with toothpicks as an appetizer or over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes as a meal.

Tips for Perfect Hot Pepper Jelly Meatballs
Use Damp Hands – To prevent sticking when shaping the meatballs.
Don’t Overmix – Mix just until the ingredients come together for tender meatballs.
Choose Your Jelly – Red pepper jelly has a milder sweetness, while green pepper jelly adds a unique kick.
Make Ahead – Prepare meatballs in advance and store in the fridge or freezer.
Balance the Heat – Add more jelly or reduce red pepper flakes to tone down the spice.

Serving Suggestions
As an Appetizer – Serve in a slow cooker or chafing dish with cocktail picks.
Rice Bowl – Spoon meatballs and sauce over jasmine or basmati rice.
Slider Sandwiches – Tuck into mini buns with pickles or slaw.
Stuffed Peppers – Fill roasted bell peppers with rice and meatballs.
Party Platter – Pair with cheese cubes, crackers, and veggie sticks.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Warm gently over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if sauce is too thick.
Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Slow Cooker: Reheat on low for 1–2 hours if serving at a party.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, just thaw them and simmer in the hot pepper jelly sauce until heated through.

2. Is hot pepper jelly really spicy?
It has a sweet base with a mild to moderate heat. You can control the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely. Use plant-based meatballs or mushroom-based alternatives and follow the same sauce recipe.

4. How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?
Make sure you include the egg and breadcrumbs, and mix just until combined.

5. Can I cook everything in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meatballs first, then add them and the sauce to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 2–3 hours.

Final Thoughts
These Hot Pepper Jelly Meatballs are sticky, saucy, and packed with flavor—everything you want in a comforting appetizer or main dish. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick and tasty dinner idea, this recipe brings bold flavor with minimal effort. Serve them up and watch them disappear fast!

Make a batch this weekend and discover your new favorite way to enjoy meatballs—sweet, spicy, and impossible to resist.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 310 | Protein: 18g | Carbohydrates: 20g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 480mg

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