Sweet and Spicy Sausage Meatballs

Sweet and Spicy Sausage Meatballs bring bold flavor to your dinner table with very little work. They bake up tender, juicy, and coated in a sticky glaze that tastes sweet at first and finishes with gentle heat. Because they use simple pantry staples and ground sausage, they fit right into your list of easy supper ideas. Whether you need quick dinner ideas for a busy weeknight or cheap dinners for a family, this recipe gives you comfort and flavor in every bite.

What Makes This Recipe Stand Out

• Sweet and Spicy Sausage Meatballs balance brown sugar sweetness with a light chili kick.
• They use simple ingredients from everyday ground sausage recipes for dinner.
• The oven method keeps them juicy without standing over the stove.
• The glaze thickens into a shiny, sticky coating that clings to every meatball.

Ingredient Breakdown

These Sweet and Spicy Sausage Meatballs rely on simple, affordable ingredients. Each one works together to build flavor and texture. As a result, you get a dish that feels special but stays easy to prepare.

• Ground sausage, which adds rich flavor and keeps the meatballs tender.
• Breadcrumbs to hold moisture and create a soft bite.
• Egg to bind everything together.
• Garlic powder for warm depth.
• Salt and black pepper to balance the sweetness.
• Brown sugar for that sweet glaze base.
• Ketchup for body and gentle tang.
• Honey to add shine and extra sweetness.
• Chili sauce or red pepper flakes for the spicy finish.

How to Make It

Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground sausage, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix gently until just combined, then roll the mixture into even meatballs about one inch wide.

Cook

1. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet with space between each one.
2. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until they are cooked through and lightly browned.
3. While they bake, stir together brown sugar, ketchup, honey, and chili sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat.
4. Simmer the sauce for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly thickened.

Finish and Serve

1. Remove the meatballs from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl.
2. Pour the warm sweet and spicy glaze over the meatballs and toss gently to coat.
3. Serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside steamed vegetables.

Prep

1. If making ahead, mix and shape the meatballs up to one day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator.
2. Measure the sauce ingredients early so the glaze comes together quickly during baking.

Cook

1. For a slower option, place raw meatballs in a baking dish and cover loosely with foil before baking.
2. Heat the glaze separately and pour over the cooked meatballs just before serving.

Finish and Serve

1. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or sliced green onions for a fresh touch.
2. Serve leftovers in a toasted bun for a simple next day lunch.

Time Saving Options

Even on busy nights, Sweet and Spicy Sausage Meatballs fit into your routine. Because they bake in the oven, you can prepare a side dish at the same time. In fact, this recipe works well with other quick dinner ideas that keep cleanup simple.

• Use pre made breadcrumbs to skip extra prep.
• Mix the sauce while the oven heats to save time.
• Double the batch and freeze half for another one of your lazy dinners.
• Pair with a simple salad or try it with this quick chicken and vegetable risoni recipe for a full meal spread.

Variations You Can Try

Once you master Sweet and Spicy Sausage Meatballs, you can easily adjust the flavor. Because the base is simple, small changes create new healthy dinner ideas without extra stress.

• Use turkey sausage for a lighter version.
• Add finely chopped onion for more texture.
• Stir a splash of soy sauce into the glaze for deeper flavor.
• Serve with roasted vegetables or alongside this easy Santa Fe chicken recipe for a bold dinner table.

Sweet and Spicy Sausage Meatballs

Sweet and Spicy Sausage Meatballs are juicy, tender, and full of bold flavor. They bake in the oven and get coated in a sticky sweet glaze with a little heat. Easy to make and perfect for busy nights or family dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 22 minutes mins

Total Time 37 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meatballs

• 1 lb ground sausage
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Sweet and Spicy Glaze

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1-2 tbsp chili sauce adjust to taste

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Mixing Bowl
• Small Saucepan

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground sausage, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
3. Roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs about 1 inch wide and place on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until cooked through and lightly browned.
5. While the meatballs bake, combine brown sugar, ketchup, honey, and chili sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Transfer cooked meatballs to a large bowl. Pour the warm glaze over the top and toss gently to coat. Serve hot.

Notes

For a lighter version, use turkey sausage. Meatballs can be shaped one day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator before baking. Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for up to three days and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can swap the sausage for ground beef or even ground turkey. However, sausage gives Sweet and Spicy Sausage Meatballs more built in flavor, which means you need fewer spices. If you use plain ground meat, add extra seasoning to keep the taste balanced. Many hamburger meat recipes follow this same idea, so feel free to adjust the salt and spices to match your preference. Always cook until the internal temperature reaches a safe level.

Can I make these in a slow cooker?

You can bake the meatballs first, then transfer them to a slow cooker with the sauce. Let them heat on low for 2 to 3 hours so the glaze thickens and coats each piece. This method works well for dump and go crockpot dinners when you need to keep food warm for guests. The flavor deepens as they sit, and the texture stays tender. Stir gently before serving to keep the meatballs whole.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover Sweet and Spicy Sausage Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve again, reheat them in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. You can also warm them in the oven at 325 degrees until heated through. Because the glaze stays sticky, they taste just as good the next day, making them perfect for easy supper ideas.

Final Thoughts

Sweet and Spicy Sausage Meatballs deliver bold flavor with simple steps, which makes them perfect for busy families. Since they rely on everyday ingredients, they fit easily into your rotation of ground meat recipes and cheap dinners for a family. Keep this recipe close for nights when you need quick dinner ideas that still feel special and homemade.