Good And Spicy Meatballs
Spicy, savory meatballs glazed in a tangy sauce with relish and Worcestershire, perfect for casual dinners or entertaining, served over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Rice Krispies ⓘ
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons catsup ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup pickle relish ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon vinegar ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine Rice Krispies, chopped onion, catsup, beaten egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Mix in ground beef thoroughly.
- Shape the mixture into 1 1/4-inch meatballs and place them in a single layer on a foil-lined, greased baking pan.
- Bake at 400°F for about 12 minutes or until they are slightly brown.
- Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine tomato sauce, brown sugar, pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar.
- Cook over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and cook together for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
- Serve the meatballs and sauce over rice or noodles if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider substituting half of the Rice Krispies with crushed cornflakes. If you want to reduce sodium, use low-sodium Worcestershire sauce and catsup. You can also swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter option. Make sure to mix the beef gently to avoid tough meatballs.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are delicious served over rice or noodles, and a side of steamed vegetables adds a nice balance. For a heartier meal, pair them with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. They also go well with a fresh salad, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan with a little sauce over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through. They can also be microwaved on low for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Good And Spicy Meatballs contains roughly 860 calories, with 12g protein, 172g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (38% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, these meatballs freeze well. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I use instead of tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce, you can use crushed tomatoes or even a jar of marinara sauce as a substitute. Adjust the seasoning accordingly, as marinara may already contain herbs and spices. This will still give you a tasty sauce for the meatballs.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The best way to check if meatballs are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. They should reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Alternatively, cut one open to ensure there is no pink inside. Cooking them in sauce also helps to keep them moist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).