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Blackberry Chipotle Meatballs

Cozy sweet-heat meatballs that blend bold flavors of blackberry preserves and smoky chipotle for a satisfying dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatball Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef (or beef and pork mix) Use a mix for juicier meatballs.
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Fine breadcrumbs for even texture.
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic for bigger flavor.
  • 1/4 cup finely diced onion
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 cup blackberry preserves
  • 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet.
  2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until just combined.
  3. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the baking sheet.
Cooking
  1. Bake for 20–25 minutes until browned at the edges and cooked through; meatballs should register 160°F and feel springy when pressed.
  2. Meanwhile, in a saucepan combine blackberry preserves, minced chipotle, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Stir until smooth.
  3. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, and cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  4. Toss the hot meatballs into the sauce to coat evenly and serve right away.

Notes

Make meatballs ahead and freeze raw. Overmixing gives tough meatballs—mix until just combined.