Easy Sweet & Spicy Meatballs

These Easy Sweet & Spicy Meatballs are the perfect combination of bold flavors and effortless prep. Whether served as an appetizer, party snack, or main course, they’re guaranteed to satisfy with their tangy, sweet, and mildly spicy glaze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare with minimal ingredients
• Can be made in a slow cooker, oven, or on the stovetop
• Perfect for potlucks, parties, or weeknight dinners
• Works with store-bought or homemade meatballs
• Balanced flavors that appeal to all ages
• Easily adjustable spice level
• Excellent make-ahead or freezer meal
• Delicious served on their own or with rice
• Ready in under 30 minutes (stovetop version)
• Always a crowd favorite

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Frozen or homemade meatballs
• Sweet chili sauce
• Grape jelly or cranberry sauce
• Hot sauce or buffalo sauce (to taste)
• Optional: butter, garlic powder, lemon juice, chopped green onions for garnish

directions

this recipe

1. Stovetop:
   • In a large skillet, combine chili sauce, jelly (or cranberry sauce), and hot sauce. Heat over medium until bubbling.
   • Add meatballs and stir to coat. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
2. Slow Cooker:
   • Add frozen meatballs and sauce ingredients to a slow cooker. Stir to combine.
   • Cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until hot and saucy.
3. Oven:
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine sauce and meatballs in a baking dish.
   • Cover and bake for 30–40 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6–12 (depending on portion size)
• Prep time: 5–10 minutes
• Cook time:
  • Stovetop: 20–25 minutes
  • Slow cooker: 2–6 hours
  • Oven: 30–40 minutes
• Total time: varies by method

Variations

• Use cranberry sauce instead of jelly for a tart twist
• Swap in barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor
• Add Sriracha or crushed red pepper for more heat
• Make your own meatballs from scratch
• Stir in chopped pineapple for tropical flavor
• Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions
• Use turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter option
• Add a splash of soy sauce for umami depth
• Mix in orange zest for a citrusy kick
• Serve over rice or noodles for a main course

storage/reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
• Reheat in a skillet, microwave, or slow cooker until heated through
• Freeze cooled meatballs in sauce for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs?

Yes, homemade meatballs work beautifully—just bake or pan-fry them first before adding to the sauce.

How do I make them spicier?

Increase the amount of hot sauce or add chili flakes or cayenne pepper.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just scale up the sauce and meatballs accordingly.

What kind of jelly works best?

Grape is traditional, but you can use cranberry, apricot, or raspberry for different flavor profiles.

Are these gluten-free?

Use gluten-free meatballs and sauce ingredients to make it gluten-free.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, mix the sauce and meatballs, then store in the fridge or freezer until ready to cook.

How do I keep them warm for a party?

Keep them in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting during your event.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Use vegetarian meatballs and check your sauces for animal products.

Will kids like these?

Yes, the sweetness balances the spice, and you can tone down the heat to suit young tastes.

What do they pair well with?

Serve with toothpicks as an appetizer, or alongside rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a meal.

Conclusion

These Easy Sweet & Spicy Meatballs are a go-to recipe for entertaining or weeknight dinners. With their sticky-sweet glaze and subtle heat, they strike the perfect balance of flavor and simplicity. Whether slow-cooked, baked, or sautéed, they’re always a hit!

Print