Description
If you’re looking for the ultimate party appetizer or a sweet-and-spicy twist on a family dinner classic, these Hot Pepper Jelly Meatballs are a total crowd-pleaser. Juicy meatballs are smothered in a bold, sticky sauce made from hot pepper jelly and savory ingredients. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or alongside rice for a weeknight meal, these meatballs bring flavor and fun to the table.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
-
1 lb ground beef or turkey
-
½ cup breadcrumbs
-
1 egg
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tbsp grated onion or onion powder
-
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
-
1 tsp salt
-
½ tsp black pepper
-
1 tbsp milk or water
For the Hot Pepper Jelly Sauce:
-
1 cup hot pepper jelly (store-bought or homemade)
-
¼ cup ketchup
-
2 tbsp soy sauce
-
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
-
1 tbsp honey or brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
-
1 tsp garlic powder
Optional for Serving:
-
Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
-
Steamed rice or mashed potatoes
-
Toothpicks for appetizers
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
-
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a skillet over medium heat.
-
In a large bowl, mix together ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and milk.
-
Roll mixture into 1-inch balls (about 24 meatballs).
-
Place meatballs on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
-
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
Alternatively, pan-fry the meatballs in batches until golden and fully cooked.
Step 2: Make the Hot Pepper Jelly Sauce
6. While the meatballs cook, combine hot pepper jelly, ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, honey (if using), and garlic powder in a saucepan over medium heat.
7. Stir constantly until the jelly melts and the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened, about 5–7 minutes.
8. Reduce heat to low to keep warm.
Step 3: Combine Meatballs and Sauce
9. Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and toss gently to coat.
10. Simmer together for 5–10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
For parties: Transfer meatballs and sauce to a slow cooker on “warm” setting for serving.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
11. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions.
12. Serve warm as an appetizer with toothpicks or over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes as a main dish.
Notes
Use Lean Meat – Ground turkey or lean beef works best to avoid greasy sauce.
Pre-Cook the Meatballs – This step ensures they hold shape and develop flavor.
Don’t Skip the Vinegar – It balances the sweet and spicy elements of the jelly.
Make Ahead – Prepare meatballs and sauce in advance and reheat when ready to serve.
Keep Warm – Use a crockpot for easy serving at parties and events.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: American