Firecracker Meatballs
These delicious Firecracker Meatballs are packed with bold flavors, combining tender meatballs with a spicy barbecue sauce, perfect for any gathering.
Ingrédients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese For a vegan option, use nutritional yeast.
- 1 large egg Can substitute with flaxseed meal for vegan.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup barbecue sauce Feel free to experiment with different types of barbecue sauce.
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce Adjust to taste for desired spiciness.
- 1 tablespoon honey Can be omitted for a sugar-free option.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust to taste for desired spiciness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients and preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Meatball Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
Shape Meatballs
- Roll the mixture into bite-sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake Meatballs
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, combine barbecue sauce, hot sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes. Heat over medium heat, stirring until well combined.
Coat Meatballs
- Remove the meatballs from the oven and toss them in the sauce until well coated.
Serve
- Arrange meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving or in a bowl with extra sauce on the side.
Optional Garnish
- Garnish with finely chopped green onions or extra red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with extra sauce to prevent drying out.