Description
These Sweet Chili Meatballs are an absolute lifesaver on busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a flavorful and satisfying meal on the table in no time. The sweet and tangy sauce perfectly coats juicy meatballs, making them a hit with both kids and adults. They’re also incredibly versatile – serve them over rice, noodles, or even as a delicious appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (12 oz) bottle sweet chili sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. You should get about 20-24 meatballs.
- Heat a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet (drain any excess grease if necessary), combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly in the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- These meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
- They are fantastic served over jasmine rice or egg noodles.
- You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35
- Sodium: 1200
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 28
- Cholesterol: 90
