Get ready for a culinary adventure that combines the classic comfort of juicy meatballs with an unexpected twist of sweet and spicy glaze! These Spicy Apple Glazed Meatballs are about to revolutionize your dinner routine, offering a perfect balance of savory beef, zesty hot sauce, and the surprising sweetness of apple jelly. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to an extraordinary meal, this recipe promises to deliver a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 cup apple jelly
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your meatballs cook evenly and develop a nice golden color.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 egg. These ingredients will form the base of your meatballs.
- Add 1 tsp of garlic powder and 1 tsp of onion powder to the mixture for flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Once your mixture is ready, use your hands to form small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the spicy apple glaze by combining 1/2 cup of apple jelly and 1/4 cup of hot sauce. Stir until the jelly is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Brush or spoon the spicy apple glaze generously over the meatballs, ensuring they are well coated. Reserve some glaze for later if you want to serve it on the side.
- Place the baking sheet with the glazed meatballs in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
- Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This will help the juices redistribute and keep the meatballs moist.
- Serve the spicy apple glazed meatballs warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and with any reserved glaze on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious and flavorful dish!
Tips
- Meat Mixing Magic: When combining ingredients, use a light touch. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense meatballs. Mix just until ingredients are incorporated.
- Size Matters: Use a cookie scoop or wet hands to create uniform meatballs. This ensures even cooking and professional-looking results.
- Glaze Application: For a gorgeous, glossy finish, apply the glaze in two stages - once before baking and again halfway through cooking.
- Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs reach the safe internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These meatballs can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking, making them perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over rice, alongside roasted vegetables, or as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy party snacking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 359kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 115mg
