Dinner

Firecracker Beef Meatballs Recipe

ByNoah Steele October 30, 2025October 30, 2025

Introduction

Firecracker Beef Meatballs are a spicy, flavorful appetizer perfect for parties or a bold weeknight snack. These meatballs combine tender beef with a tangy, sweet, and fiery sauce that will excite your taste buds.

A rectangular white plate holds seven round meatballs coated in a shiny, reddish-brown sauce with visible small chili flakes. Each meatball has small pieces of bright green chopped scallions scattered on top and around it. The meatballs are pierced by colorful heart-topped toothpicks in green and white, arranged in a loose group near the center of the plate, with sauce pooling underneath them. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (80/20)
⅓ cup bread crumbs

3 cloves garlic, grated
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated

1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper

2 spring onion stalks (scallions), chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, grated (for sauce)

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (for sauce)
1 spring onion stalk (scallion), chopped (for sauce)
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper

½ cup brown sugar
½ cup apple cider vinegar
¾ cup ketchup

2 tablespoons El Yucateco Red Habanero Hot Sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, ground beef, 2 teaspoons ginger, 3 cloves garlic, 2 chopped spring onions, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Step 3: Drizzle olive oil into the bottom of a baking dish. Shape the meat mixture into balls and place them evenly in the dish. Bake for 25 minutes or until cooked through.
Step 4: While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, mix together 1 teaspoon ginger, 2 cloves garlic, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and hot sauce. Whisk until smooth.
Step 5: Pour the sauce into a small saucepan and heat over low, stirring frequently for 5 to 7 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 6: Chop the remaining spring onion, separating the white onion parts from the green chive tops. Set aside.
Step 7: Remove the sauce from heat, transfer to a heat-safe bowl, and stir in crushed red pepper for added heat.
Step 8: Toss the baked meatballs in the sauce to coat thoroughly. Arrange on a serving plate, sprinkle with chive tops, and insert toothpicks for easy serving.

Tips & Variations

For milder heat, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper and hot sauce in the sauce.
Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Add finely chopped cilantro to the sauce for a fresh herbal note.

Serve the meatballs over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or sauce to keep them moist.

How to Serve

A white rectangular plate holds six shiny meatballs covered in a thick red-brown sauce. The meatballs are garnished with small green onion pieces scattered on top and around the sauce. Each meatball has a small green or white stick with a heart shape on the end inserted from the top. The background shows a white marbled surface beneath the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce separately, then combine and warm them just before serving. This makes for easy entertaining and less last-minute prep.