Sometimes, you just need a good meatball. Whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or a comforting meal, meatballs always hit the spot. I love how versatile they are, taking on so many different tastes.
Today, I’m sharing two fantastic meatball recipes that are full of big, bold tastes. From a sticky Korean BBQ option to a sweet and spicy classic, you’ll find a new favorite here. Get ready to make some truly wonderful meatballs!
Jump to Recipe:
Sticky Korean BBQ Meatballs with Sweet Gochujang Glaze
These Korean BBQ meatballs are a real treat, coated in a super tasty gochujang glaze. They’re perfect as a main course or a party food.
The sauce is a wonderful mix of sweet, a little bit hot, and full of amazing Korean-inspired tastes that everyone will enjoy. 
Key Ingredients & Quick Tips
- Gochujang Paste: This is a key Korean chili paste. It brings a lot of deep taste and a little heat. You can find it in most big grocery stores or Asian markets.
- For Best Results: Use a mix of ground pork and beef for the best texture and taste in your meatballs. It makes them really juicy.
- Serving Idea: These are wonderful over steamed rice, with some chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top.
What You Need for Korean BBQ Meatballs
- 1 lb ground pork and beef mix
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (for meatballs)
- 1/4 cup gochujang paste
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- Water to thin sauce, if needed
⏱️ Time: 45 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4-6 servings
How to Make Korean BBQ Meatballs
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
In a big bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Mix everything gently with your hands until just combined. Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in size.
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
Heat a large pan over medium heat with a little oil. Cook the meatballs in batches until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Set the cooked meatballs aside on a plate.
Step 3: Prepare the Gochujang Glaze
In the same pan (or a clean one), mix the gochujang paste, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and brown sugar. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring often. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens a bit. If it’s too thick, add a little water.
Step 4: Coat and Serve
Add the cooked meatballs back into the pan with the glaze. Toss them gently to make sure every meatball is coated in the sticky, wonderful sauce. Serve them hot!
📝 Final Note
These meatballs keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Quick Sweet and Spicy Meatballs
Looking for an easy appetizer or a fuss-free dinner? These sweet and spicy meatballs are exactly what you need. They come together with very few ingredients.
The sauce uses common items you might already have, making this a perfect last-minute recipe. Everyone loves the balance of sweetness and a little kick. 
Key Ingredients & Simple Tips
- Frozen Meatballs: Using pre-cooked frozen meatballs makes this recipe incredibly fast. Just choose your favorite kind!
- Adjust the Heat: You can change the amount of chili sauce to make it more or less spicy. Sriracha, sambal oelek, or even a dash of cayenne pepper work well.
- Slow Cooker Option: This recipe is also great in a slow cooker. Just combine everything and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until the meatballs are hot and the sauce is bubbly.
What You Need for Sweet and Spicy Meatballs
- 2 lbs frozen cooked meatballs
- 1 (12 oz) jar grape jelly
- 1 (12 oz) bottle chili sauce (like Heinz chili sauce)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Optional: a dash of hot sauce for extra heat
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 6-8 servings
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Meatballs
Step 1: Mix the Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine the grape jelly, chili sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to mix everything together. If you want more heat, now is the time to add an extra dash of hot sauce.
Step 2: Add Meatballs and Heat
Add the frozen meatballs to the sauce in the saucepan. Make sure they are covered by the sauce as much as possible. Turn the heat to medium-low.
Step 3: Simmer and Serve
Let the meatballs simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, stirring from time to time. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the meatballs to heat through completely. Serve hot as an appetizer or over rice for a meal.
📝 Final Note
These meatballs are fantastic for parties. You can keep them warm in a slow cooker for hours.
