Spicy meatballs are found in recipes throughout the culinary world, whether you’re sitting down at a Morrocan restaurant, or ordering a sub sandwich from a local deli. You have more than likely had a spicy meatball or two in your time. The versatility of spicy meatballs makes them a hugely popular addition to a lot of different types of cuisine.
Here we're going to give you our simple and delicious spicy meatball recipe, as well as answer some burning questions about spicy meatballs!
What dishes can you make with spicy meatballs?
You may be surprised to find out that you can make so many different dishes with spicy meatballs. Some are obviously more suited than others to the addition of spicy meatballs, but you are only really limited by your imagination.Some of our favourite dishes to make with spicy meatballs are
- Spicy Meatball Subs: A popular sandwich made with spicy meatballs, tomato sauce, and melted cheese, served on a long roll or a baguette. The meatballs used are typically made with ground beef or pork, mixed with a variety of spices such as garlic, onion powder, and chili flakes to give them a spicy kick. The beauty of the spicy meatball sub is that everyone likes their sandwiches differently, so it’s the perfect opportunity to craft your own perfect creation!
- Spicy Meatball Pasta: Pair your pasta and sauce of choice with an extra kick of flavour. While we would go for something classic like spicy meatballs in tomato sauce, you can really try anything here!
- Spicy Meatball Curry: Simmer the spicy meatballs in a tomato-based curry sauce made with curry powder, ginger, and coconut milk. Serve over rice or with naan bread.
- Spicy Meatball Pizza: Top a pizza crust with tomato sauce, spicy meatballs, sliced jalapeños, and mozzarella cheese. Bake in the oven until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Spicy Meatball Tacos: Stuff a taco shell with spicy meatballs, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and avocado. Drizzle with sour cream or hot sauce.
- Spicy Meatball Tagine: The spicy meatball tagine is a delicious and hearty dish that is popular in Moroccan cuisine. The meatballs are cooked in a flavourful tomato-based sauce. The dish is typically cooked in a traditional clay pot called a tagine, which helps to slow cook and infuse the flavours’ of the ingredients.
What Is The Best Sauce For Spicy Meatballs?
The best sauce for spicy meatballs depends on personal taste preferences. Here are some popular sauce options that pair well with spicy meatballs:
- Marinara sauce: This classic tomato-based sauce is a great option for spicy meatballs. It's simple and easy to make, and the flavors complement the spicy meatballs well.
- Arrabbiata sauce: This Italian sauce is made with tomatoes, garlic, and red chili peppers, which give it a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with spicy meatballs.
- Harissa sauce: This North African sauce is made with chili peppers, garlic, and spices such as cumin and coriander. It has a bold, spicy flavor that pairs well with spicy meatballs.
- Chipotle sauce: This smoky and spicy sauce is made with chipotle peppers, which add a unique flavor to the meatballs.
- Spicy cream sauce: A cream-based sauce can help to balance out the heat of the spicy meatballs. You can make a simple cream sauce by combining heavy cream with grated Parmesan cheese and chili flakes.
The best sauce for spicy meatballs is one that complements the spiciness of the meatballs without overpowering them. Experiment with different sauce options and combinations to find your perfect pairing!
How To Make Spicy Meatballs
Our spicy meatballs recipe is a quick and simple way to get delicious meatballs in your food. Not only that but the recipe is easily customisable to get the level of heat that you enjoy the most!
Spicy Meatballs Recipe:
Click here to try the hot sauce that we use in this recipe! 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Ingredients:
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup of our Scotch bonnet hot sauce
• 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 200 C or 400 F
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, parsley, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, salt, black pepper, and hot sauce. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.
- Transfer the meatballs to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through.
- Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with additional hot sauce and chopped parsley if desired.
Note: Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your desired level of spiciness. You can also use a different flavour hot sauce. Try using our Carolina reaper hot sauce if you want to really kick your spicy meatballs up a notch!
What Is The Best Meat To Use In Meatballs?
There isn't really a wrong answer here. The best meat to use in meatballs is completely down to your personal preference and the recipe you are using. Some meats may compliment certain recipes more than others but that doesn't mean you shouldn't make the type of meatballs that you enjoy.
- Beef: Ground beef is a popular choice for meatballs as it has a rich flavour and a good texture. It is also readily available and affordable.
- Pork: Ground pork is another good choice for meatballs as it has a slightly sweeter flavour than beef. It is also more tender, which makes it a great choice if you like your meatballs a little softer.
- Lamb: Ground lamb has a distinct flavour that works well in meatballs. It is also a good choice for those who want to make Mediterranean-style meatballs.
- Turkey: Ground turkey is a healthier alternative to beef or pork as it is lower in fat. It has a milder flavour than beef, which allows the spices and other ingredients to come through.
When choosing your meat for meatballs, it's important to make a selection that has a good balance of fat and lean meat. Too much fat can make the meatballs greasy, while too little can make them dry and tough.