Sweet Chili Meatballs Recipe for Game Day Appetizers

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This chili meatball recipe makes sweet, spicy meatballs that are perfect for game-day appetizers or easy party food.

Sweet chili meatball appetizers served on a white plate with toothpicks, coated in glossy sauce, with a small cup of extra picks in the background.

If you are looking for an easy appetizer that disappears fast, this chili meatballs recipe is always a hit.

It is perfect for game day, family parties, or any gathering where you want something warm and flavorful without a lot of prep.

This chili meatball recipe combines sweet and spicy flavors that both kids and adults like.

It is worth trying, as it works as both an appetizer and a main dish and comes together with minimal effort.

Sweet chili meatball appetizers on a white plate, each topped with a toothpick and coated in a sticky sauce, with extra picks blurred in the background.

Sweet Chili Meatballs

Try this chili meatballs recipe for tender bites with a sweet heat that works as an appetizer or simple dinner.

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Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Course Appetizer, Main Dish

Servings 10

Calories 377 kcal

Ingredients  

For the Meatballs

  • 2 lbs Ground Beef
  • 6 Green Onions finely chopped including the green parts
  • 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Ground Pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder or 4 garlic gloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 2 Eggs slightly beaten
  • 1 cup Bread Crumbs

For the Sauce

  • 1-12 oz Chili Sauce
  • 1- 15.5 oz Low Sugar Concord Grape Jelly

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

  • In a large mixing bowl add 2 lbs Ground Beef, 6 Green Onions, 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt, ½ teaspoon Ground Pepper, ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes, 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder, 1 teaspoon Chili Powder, 2 Eggs, and 1 cup Bread Crumbs. See how to make homemade bread crumbs below.
  • Mix all ingredients well, then shape into evenly sized meatballs that are golf ball sized.

  • Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and place meatballs in even rows.

  • Cook for 30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the meatballs reach 165 degrees F.

  • When the meatballs come out of the oven, you will notice the fat that has settled around the meatballs. Simply scrape the fat off with a spoon before transferring them in the sauce.

Homemade Bread Crumbs

  • Toast bread, tear into pieces, and place in a high rpm blender or food processor. Blend or pulse until you have bread crumbs, then pour bread crumbs into the meat mixture.

Making the Sauce

  • While your meatballs are in the oven add chili sauce and grape jelly to a large cooking skillet or crock pot and combine well. If placing meatballs in a crock pot heat sauce on high and adjust temperature to warm once heated. If heating sauce on the stove top, heat sauce on low.

  • When your meatballs are ready transfer them into the sauce and coat the meatballs evenly.

  • Serve warm and Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 3 MeatballsCalories: 377kcalCarbohydrates: 68.2gProtein: 14.9gFat: 6.1gSaturated Fat: 1.6gCholesterol: 92mgSodium: 4502mgPotassium: 773mgFiber: 8gSugar: 39.6gVitamin D: 7µgCalcium: 138mgIron: 9mg

If you are curious about what the meatballs should look like before entering the oven, here is what mine look like.

Raw meatballs arranged on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ready to be baked, showing evenly sized meatballs with herbs mixed throughout.

How to Store Leftover Sweet Chili Meatballs

In the Fridge

  • Allow the meatballs to cool completely.
  • Store them in the sauce in an airtight container.
  • Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Keeping them submerged in sauce helps the meatballs stay tender and flavorful.

In the Freezer

These freeze really well!

  • Allow the meatballs to cool completely.
  • Transfer meatballs and sauce to freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Leave a little room for expansion.
  • Freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Be sure to label the container so you don’t forget what deliciousness is inside!

How to Reheat Leftovers

Stovetop – Best Overall

This keeps the sauce smooth and glossy.

  • Add meatballs and sauce to a saucepan.
  • Heat on low to medium-low.
  • Stir gently so the sauce doesn’t burn.
  • If the sauce thickens, add a splash of water or beef broth.
  • Heat until warmed through.

Microwave – Fast & Easy

Great for smaller portions.

  • Place meatballs and sauce in a microwave-safe bowl.
  • Cover loosely.
  • Heat in 30-45-second intervals, stirring between, until the desired temperature is reached.

From Frozen

  • Thaw overnight in the fridge when you can.
  • Reheat using the stovetop method.
  • Add a little liquid to the sauce if it looks too thick.

More Appetizer Recipes

Delicious appetizers are the best part of any successful gathering! Here are a few more delicious ideas.

Close-up headshot of a smiling woman with long straight hair and a nose stud, wearing a dark top against a plain background.

Hi, I’m Katie!

I’m so glad you’re here. Want to make something fabulous? I’m here to help!


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