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Sweet & Spicy Blackberry Chipotle Meatballs

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Sweet & Spicy Blackberry Chipotle Meatballs feature tender beef meatballs coated in a bold glaze made with blackberries, smoky chipotle peppers, and a touch of honey. The sauce balances fruity sweetness with smoky heat, creating a flavorful dish perfect for appetizers or dinner.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (16–18 meatballs)

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 cup blackberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 12 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, garlic, milk, ketchup, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and parsley.
  3. Mix gently until just combined.
  4. Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 15–18 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
  6. Meanwhile heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  7. Add blackberries and cook for 2–3 minutes until they begin to break down.
  8. Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic powder, and salt.
  9. Simmer for 6–8 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  10. Mash the blackberries or blend the sauce for a smoother glaze if desired.
  11. Add the cooked meatballs to the saucepan and toss gently to coat.
  12. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes so the meatballs absorb the flavor.
  13. Serve warm and garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Frozen blackberries can be used and may require slightly longer cooking time.
  • Reduce the chipotle peppers for a milder flavor.
  • Ground turkey or chicken can replace ground beef.
  • Blend the sauce for a smoother glaze if preferred.
  • Add Worcestershire sauce to the meatball mixture for extra savory flavor.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking & Simmering
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4–5 meatballs
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg