One-Skillet Meatballs with Chili Sauce

There’s something truly comforting about a dish that comes together with minimal fuss, and this One-Skillet Meatballs with Chili Sauce recipe delivers just that. Imagine tender, savory meatballs nestled in a rich, slightly sweet, and tangy chili sauce, all cooked to perfection in a single pan. The aroma alone is enough to make any evening feel special, promising a delicious and satisfying meal without the usual stack of dirty dishes.

This recipe has become a weeknight hero in my kitchen, perfect for those busy evenings when time is short but the craving for something hearty and flavorful is strong. It’s wonderfully forgiving, making it ideal for home cooks of all levels, and the leftovers, if there are any, are just as delightful the next day.

Why I Love This Recipe

This One-Skillet Meatballs with Chili Sauce recipe is a true lifesaver!

• Speedy: Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: A delicious balance of savory and slightly sweet.
• Easy Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pan!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Always a hit with family and friends.

One-Skillet Meatballs with Chili Sauce Ingredients

The magic of this One-Skillet Meatballs with Chili Sauce lies in its simple yet impactful ingredient list. It creates a symphony of flavors and textures with minimal effort. We’re using pantry staples to create something truly special.

Core Ingredients:

• Lean Ground Beef: This makes a hearty foundation. It provides a satisfying protein base for our delicious meatballs.
• Yellow Onion: It adds a subtle sweetness. It also adds aromatic depth to the meatballs and the sauce.
• Dry Breadcrumbs: These act as a binder. They help our meatballs hold their shape and stay tender.
• Large Egg: This is another essential binder. It ensures our meatballs are cohesive and don’t fall apart.
• Milk: This contributes moisture. It keeps the meatballs tender and juicy.
• Mild Enchilada Sauce: This provides a savory base. It’s slightly spiced and perfect for simmering. It infuses the meatballs with flavor.
• Chili Sauce (like Heinz): This is our secret weapon. It gives that classic sweet and tangy glaze. It coats the meatballs beautifully.
• Water: This helps thin the sauce. It creates the perfect consistency for simmering these meatballs.

Substitutions and Tips:

For a different flavor profile, you can swap the mild enchilada sauce. Use a medium or hot version. A can of diced tomatoes with green chilies also works wonderfully. If you don’t have breadcrumbs, panko or crushed crackers can work in a pinch. For an extra flavor boost, add garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce to the meatball mixture. Remember, exact quantities are in the printable recipe card!

How to Make One-Skillet Meatballs with Chili Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef, finely chopped yellow onion, dry breadcrumbs, lightly beaten egg, milk, salt, and black pepper. Mix these ingredients together. Use your hands until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix. This can make the meatballs tough. Gently shape the mixture into about 1-inch meatballs.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the shaped meatballs. Cook them, turning them occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes. Ensure they are nicely browned on all sides. This step adds great flavor. After browning, carefully drain off any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 3: Simmer in Sauce

Now, pour the mild enchilada sauce, chili sauce, and water into the skillet. This is with the browned meatballs. Stir everything gently to combine. Coat the meatballs in the sauce. Bring this flavorful mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Step 4: Cook Through

Once the sauce is simmering, cover the skillet with a lid. Reduce the heat to low. Let the meatballs cook gently in the sauce. This takes about 15-20 minutes. Cook until they are all the way through. Ensure the sauce has thickened slightly. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Serve

Your delicious One-Skillet Meatballs with Chili Sauce are now ready. Serve them hot. Enjoy this simple, flavorful meal!

Il Modo Migliore per Conservare le Polpette in Padella con Salsa Piccante

Se ti avanzano delle deliziose polpette in padella con salsa piccante, puoi conservarle facilmente. Metti le polpette avanzate insieme alla salsa in un contenitore ermetico. Conservale in frigorifero per un massimo di 3 giorni. Per una conservazione più lunga, puoi congelarle. Usa un contenitore o sacchetto adatto al congelatore. Le polpette si conservano bene in freezer per 2-3 mesi. Prima di servirle di nuovo, lasciale scongelare. Scongela le polpette durante la notte in frigorifero. Poi, scaldale delicatamente sul fornello o nel microonde. Questo metodo mantiene le tue polpette in padella con salsa piccante fresche e saporite.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overmix the meatball mixture. Gentle handling ensures tenderness for your one-skillet meatballs.
• Ensure meatballs are browned well. This step creates maximum flavor for many dishes.
• Adjust the enchilada sauce and chili sauce. Do this for your preferred spice level.
• A single, large skillet simplifies cleanup beautifully. Enjoy easy dinners.
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Make sure the flavor is perfect.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Gathering the right tools makes cooking this One-Skillet Meatballs with Chili Sauce a breeze. You likely have most of these handy in your kitchen already.

• A large skillet is key. An ovenproof one is great, but not strictly necessary here.
• You’ll need a large mixing bowl for combining ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons help ensure accuracy.
• A spatula or spoon is useful for stirring and serving.
• A small bowl can be handy for shaping meatballs, though not essential.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this hearty One-Skillet Meatballs with Chili Sauce over fluffy rice. Mashed potatoes are also a delightful option.
• A simple green salad or steamed green beans make great side dishes. They add a touch of freshness.
• Offer crusty bread alongside. It’s perfect for soaking up all the delicious sauce.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. This adds a lovely pop of color and extra flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely prepare the meatball mixture and shape the meatballs a day in advance. Just store them covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply brown them as directed, then proceed with simmering them in the sauce for a quick meal.

What if I don’t have enchilada sauce?

No worries if you’re out of enchilada sauce! You can easily substitute it with a can of undrained diced tomatoes. Mix in a tablespoon of chili powder and a teaspoon of cumin for a similar flavor profile. It will create a slightly different, but still delicious, sauce for your easy meatballs.

How can I make these meatballs spicier?

To kick up the heat, try using a medium or hot enchilada sauce instead of mild. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes directly to the meatball mixture. For an extra zing, a spicier chili sauce or a dash of your favorite hot sauce stirred into the simmering sauce works wonders!

Can I freeze the cooked One-Skillet Meatballs with Chili Sauce?

Absolutely! Once your one-skillet meatballs have cooled, store them and their sauce in airtight, freezer-safe containers or bags. They freeze beautifully for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy them again, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Then, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

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