Description

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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Ingredients

Scale

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

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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.

Notes

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.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American