Spicy Meat Balls
Spicy Meat Balls combine tender beef with a zesty kick of hot pepper sauce and tangy mincemeat, making them perfect for entertaining or casual family dinners. The savory flavors are enhanced by apple juice and vinegar, resulting in a flavorful, juicy dish with a delightful spicy edge that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Lightly mix together the ground beef, eggs, deviled ham, bread crumbs, salt, dry mustard, and hot pepper sauce.
- Shape the mixture into 3/4-inch meatballs and arrange them on jelly roll pans.
- Bake the meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat the mincemeat, apple juice, and vinegar until bubbly.
- Add the heated mincemeat mixture to the cooked meatballs and bring to a boil again.
- Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 10 minutes. Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil. If you want a bit more heat, increase the amount of hot pepper sauce. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if preferred. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread crumbs. These meatballs can also be made ahead and frozen before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs as a hearty appetizer or over pasta for a main dish. They pair beautifully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. Consider serving with a side of garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the delicious sauce. For a fun twist, serve them as Zippy Meatball Appetizers at your next gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or sauce, cover, and heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them on a microwave-safe plate, covered, for 1-2 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Meat Balls contains roughly 900 calories, with 25g protein, 160g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (50% of the Daily Value), iron (40% of the Daily Value), and calcium (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. 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 make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the raw meatballs for up to 3 months. Just bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of mincemeat?
If you don't have mincemeat, you can use a combination of chopped dried fruits like raisins and chopped nuts, mixed with a bit of apple juice and spices for flavor. This will mimic the sweetness and texture of mincemeat while still complementing the meatballs.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
Yes, baking is a great method for cooking meatballs in a healthier way. Just arrange them on a jelly roll pan and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes or until cooked through, as mentioned in the recipe.
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).