Rating: 3.47
(32)

Spicy Meatballs

August 30, 2023

Spicy meatballs are the perfect way to bring a little heat to your dinner table. Juicy, tender, and loaded with flavor, these meatballs are a fiery twist on the classic comfort food. Whether served over pasta, tucked into a sub, or enjoyed on their own, they’re guaranteed to satisfy any craving for something hearty and bold.

The base of great meatballs starts with a good mix of ground meat. A combination of ground beef and pork delivers a perfect balance of flavor and fat, but you can also use ground chicken or turkey if you prefer a leaner option. What sets these meatballs apart is the kick of heat from ingredients like crushed red pepper flakes, minced jalapeño, or even a splash of hot sauce blended right into the mix.

To add even more flavor, throw in grated onion, garlic, fresh parsley, and a touch of smoked paprika. A bit of grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs helps bind everything together while adding richness. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls and sear them in a hot skillet until they’re golden brown on the outside. Then simmer them gently in a spicy tomato sauce until they’re cooked through and infused with all that saucy goodness.

Spicy meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them over spaghetti with extra chili flakes for a fiery Italian-inspired meal, or pair them with rice and roasted veggies for a hearty bowl. They also make a fantastic party appetizer when served with toothpicks and a dipping sauce.

If you’re looking for a make-ahead meal, spicy meatballs freeze beautifully. Just prepare a big batch, let them cool, and store in the freezer for up to three months. You’ll always have a quick and flavorful option ready to go.

For those who love a bit of heat, spicy meatballs are the perfect balance of savory and bold. They’re simple to make, easy to customize, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Spicy Meatballs
Spicy Meatballs
3.47 from 32 votes
A delicious and fiery recipe for spicy meatballs
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • For the meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/4 cup parsley chopped fresh
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the sauce:
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 oz
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  • Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
  • In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
  • Return the meatballs to the skillet, submerging them in the sauce. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through.
  • Serve the spicy meatballs with pasta or crusty bread. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 28gFat: 20gFiber: 3g
Calories: 340kcal
Meal Type: Lunch
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: meatballs, spicy
Cooking Method: Fried
Time: 30-45 Min
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar randy.buckridge2011 says:

    3 stars
    I thought the recipe was too spicy! I mean, 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes? That was too much for my kids. Just saying.

  2. User avatar mirella.jaskolski57 says:

    4 stars
    Super simple recipe! I added some mozzarella on top and it was a hit.

  3. 5 stars
    These meatballs are amazing! My family loved them, and I will definitely make them again. Thanks for sharing!

  4. User avatar millard.pollich71 says:

    3 stars
    Honestly, they were alright but a bit too spicy for my taste. Maybe cut back on the flakes?

  5. User avatar fidel.casper59 says:

    4 stars
    Looks yum! Can’t wait to try. Gonna make it with chicken instead of beef tho.

    1. User avatar tissues_with_issues says:

      3 stars
      Chicken? Really? That sounds kinda weird. I dunno if it’ll taste the same. But good luck!

  6. 2 stars
    Eh, didn’t quite get it. My clash with spice is legendary. Just had bread!

  7. User avatar tomiko.hills says:

    5 stars
    These meatballs are amazing! They had a kick that my family loved. Will definitely make again!

  8. User avatar Majin Buu says:

    3 stars
    Spicy? Nah, its not too hot for my taste. But overall, easy and quick to make. Thumbs up!

    1. User avatar galen.conn1989 says:

      2 stars
      But isn’t it supposed to be spicy? I don’t eat bland stuff. 🤔

    2. 5 stars
      I love spicy food! Can’t wait to try these! 🔥

  9. User avatar chanel.bradtke says:

    4 stars
    Meatballs. Good, sauce very delicious. Got to try again!

    1. User avatar pasquale.robel10 says:

      3 stars
      Meatballs are ok, but I think they could use something extra… like cheese or veggies? Anyone else feel this way?

    2. 5 stars
      I totally agree! The sauce is the star of the show! Can’t wait to whip these up again.

  10. User avatar marian.fritsch says:

    2 stars
    I had a hard time with the meatballs falling apart. Maybe it was too much bread crumbs? I don’t know, but I didn’t really enjoy them.

  11. User avatar rod.hauck73 says:

    1 star
    Meatballs? More like meat rocks! They were so tough I thought I was chewing rubber. 1 star!

    1. User avatar Grandpa Gohan says:

      5 stars
      Maybe you overcooked them? I followed the recipe and they turned out juicy and delicious! 5 stars from me!

  12. User avatar dana.gulgowski44 says:

    1 star
    Meatballs? More like meat rocks! They were tough and chewy. Never again.

    1. User avatar leon.funk80 says:

      4 stars
      Maybe you overcooked them? Mine turned out great! 🙃

  13. User avatar smartestRedditor says:

    5 stars
    Yum! Cooked these for my friends and everyone loved ’em. 10/10 would recommend!

    1. 3 stars
      10/10? Really? I made meatballs once and they turned out kinda dry. What am I doing wrong?

    2. 5 stars
      That’s awesome! I can’t wait to try this recipe myself. Meatballs are the best!

  14. 2 stars
    Not very good. Didn’t taste like much. I think I’ll stick to my mom’s recipe instead.

  15. User avatar jerry.littel35 says:

    5 stars
    Sounds delicious! Can’t wait to try these spicy meatballs. Perfect for a family dinner!

  16. User avatar suspiciousCommentator says:

    2 stars
    Wait a minute, are meatballs really spicy? Are you sure about that? I thought they were just meat and sauce.

  17. User avatar clifton.mckenzie81 says:

    5 stars
    These meatballs are amazing! I made them for dinner and my whole family loved them. Will definitely cook again!

  18. User avatar terminatorXYZ says:

    3 stars
    Too much garlic! Had to eat mints all night after lol. But they looked nice.

  19. User avatar ernesto.stanton says:

    4 stars
    Super spicy! I wasn’t ready for that kick but they tasted pretty good. Maybe cut down on the red pepper flakes next time.

    1. User avatar trenton.thiel70 says:

      4 stars
      Yeah, those red pepper flakes can really sneak up on you! But glad you liked ’em. Maybe add a dollop of sour cream next time to cool it down?

  20. 2 stars
    I followed this recipe but the meatballs came out too dry. Maybe I added too much bread crumbs? Not sure if I’ll try it again.

    1. User avatar gerard.bogisich31 says:

      3 stars
      I dunno, I think meatballs are tricky. Mine are always a bit dry too, but I just slather them in sauce. 😂

    2. User avatar erlene.mclaughlin2016 says:

      4 stars
      Sorry to hear that! Maybe try less breadcrumbs next time or add an egg to keep them moist? Good luck!

3.47 from 32 votes
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