Meatballs with chunky chilli sauce
This Meatballs with Chunky Chilli Sauce recipe features rich ground beef meatballs enveloped in a spicy, tangy sauce made from fresh cherry tomatoes, red hot chili peppers, and salsa. The dish balances heat with a hint of sweetness from maple syrup, creating a satisfying meal that’s hearty and flavourful.
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 20 min
Ingredients:
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes1/3 cup salsa sauce
2 red hot chili peppers
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 lemon
1 onion
2 garlic cloves
1 tbsp vinegar
1 tbsp lemon juice
18 oz ground beef (80/20%)
1 cup basil leaves
1 tbsp mustard
1 egg
1 short spray cooking spray oil
This Meatballs with Chunky Chili Sauce recipe combines the bold flavors of red hot chili peppers, fresh cherry tomatoes, and tangy salsa sauce, resulting in a delicious and spicy meatball dish. Perfect for a hearty dinner, this recipe marries the richness of ground beef with a zesty and slightly sweet chili sauce that will leave your taste buds tingling.
Instructions:
1. Begin by finely dicing the onion and mincing the garlic cloves.
2. Chop the cherry tomatoes into quarters.
3. Remove the seeds from the red hot chili peppers (if desired for less heat) and finely chop.
4. Zest the lemon and set aside; then, juice the lemon until you have 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
5. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add a short spray of cooking oil.
6. Sauté the diced onion until it becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
7. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
8. Stir in the chopped cherry tomatoes, salsa sauce, chopped chili peppers, maple syrup, vinegar, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
9. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
2. Prepare the Meatballs:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, basil leaves (finely chopped), mustard, and egg.
3. Mix the ingredients well using your hands or a spoon until fully combined.
4. Form the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
3. Combine and Serve:
1. Once the meatballs are done, gently transfer them to the saucepan with the chunky chilli sauce.
2. Stir to coat the meatballs evenly with the sauce.
3. Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes to soak up all the flavors.
4. Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired.
With every bite, these meatballs with chunky chili sauce offer a delectable blend of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. This dish is not only satisfying but also relatively easy to prepare. Enjoy it with your favorite side dish or as a standalone delight, and it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Meatballs with chunky chilli sauce FAQ:
Bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.
The meatballs are done when they are browned on the outside and have reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat chosen.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; just thaw before reheating.
If you don't have cherry tomatoes, you can use diced regular tomatoes or even canned diced tomatoes as a suitable substitute.
Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and onion can significantly enhance the flavors compared to their dried or canned counterparts.
- Adjust the heat level: If you prefer a milder sauce, consider using fewer red hot chili peppers or removing their seeds before using.
- Mix thoroughly: Ensure that the ground beef mixture is well-combined for consistent flavor and texture in every meatball.
- Don’t skip the chilling step: Chill the meatballs for at least 30 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape better when frying or baking.
- Cook meatballs evenly: If pan-frying, turn the meatballs frequently to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. For a less messy option, consider baking them in the oven.
- Customizable sauce: Feel free to add additional spices or ingredients to the sauce to suit your taste preferences, such as cumin, smoked paprika, or even a dash of hot sauce.
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the meatballs are cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 160°F (71°C).
Nutrition per serving
6 ServingsCalories 260kcal
Protein 16g
Carbohydrates 7g
Fiber 1.77g
Sugar 3.68g
Fat 18g
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