Spicy Italian Meatballs

This Spicy Meatballs Recipe uses half hot Italian sausage and half lean ground beef to make the most amazing homemade meatballs. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this guide will help you master the art of making meatballs.

Before you know it, you’ll be serving up a plate of meatballs that could rival any Italian grandma’s recipe. For more meatballs recipes, you can try our Crockpot Italian Meatballs, Sweet and Sour Meatballs, or these fun seasonal Cyclops Meatballs.

Best Spicy Meatballs Recipe

These are the best spicy meatballs, with just the right amount of spicy sausage and hearty beef. They are perfect in a baked pasta dish, on top of spaghetti with meat sauce, as a crockpot Italian meatball appetizer, or in a meatball sub sandwich. The possibilities are endless!

One of my favorite ways to use these meatballs is in baked pasta! You can use your favorite sauce, and favorite pasta too! My family’s favorite is baked penne with meat sauce and topped with these delicious Italian meatballs!

One of the biggest reasons to love this recipe is that you can be frozen so that you can always have a stash of frozen homemade meatballs on hand! Make a double batch, freeze them, and then pull them out of the freezer one at a time or when making a meal for the family.

Spicy Meatballs Video Tutorial

Key Ingredients

• Hot (Johnsonville) Sausage: This already is seasoned and has a real kick to it. If your family is sensitive to spicy foods, you can also use a medium or mild sausage here.
• Ground Beef (15% fat works great): This is tame the heat of the sausage and give the meatballs a really nice hearty flavor. The combo of pork and beef works great for meatballs. I have also use Elk meat and venison in meatballs with sausage and it also has a wonderful flavor.
• Bread Crumbs or Cracker Crumbs: Either will work great in this recipe. If you have some stale crackers, use those, it’s a great way to use up old bread or crackers from the pantry.
• Parmesan Cheese: You can use grated or shredded parmesan here. Just use what you have on hand. If you need to purchase more parmesan cheese for this recipe, I would lean toward the grated parmesan.
• Cream: This will help bind your meatballs together. You can also use half and half here too.
• Eggs: This will help all the ingredients bind together and keep your meatballs in a ball.

More Ways to Use Meatballs

• Meatball Subs: Load your spicy Italian meatballs into a crusty sub roll and top them with melted mozzarella cheese. Add some sliced bell peppers and onions for extra crunch and flavor. This handheld delight is perfect for those on the go.
• Meatball Pizza: Transform your meatballs into pizza toppings! Spread pizza sauce on a pizza crust, sprinkle on some shredded mozzarella, and arrange your spicy meatballs on top. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and enjoy a unique twist on a classic favorite.
• Meatball Skewers: Thread your meatballs onto skewers, alternating with colorful bell peppers and onions. Grill or broil until the meatballs are cooked through and slightly charred. These flavorful skewers make for a fun and interactive dining experience.
• Meatball Sliders: Miniaturize your meatballs by placing them between slider buns. Add a dollop of spicy mayo or a slice of pepper jack cheese for an extra kick. These bite-sized delights are perfect for parties or as appetizers.
• Slow Cooker Meatball Appetizer: Add freshly cooked or frozen meatballs to a slow cooker. Top with your favorite marinara sauce and some shredded mozzarella cheese. Serve with toothpicks at any gathering. Such a fun and easy appetizer recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Make This Spicy Meatball Recipe

1. Mix together the ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the hot sausage and ground beef.  Mix with your hands until well combined. Add the rest of the ingredients and then mix until until well-combined.
2. Form the meatballs. Scoop and roll about 1-1/2  tablespoons of the meat mixture between your hands to form a ball. Place the meatballs on a greased baking sheet or a parchment-lined baking pan, about 2″ apart. Repeat this process until you have formed all your meatballs.
3. Bake. Bake in a 350-degree oven for approx 25 minutes or until golden brown on the outside and the inside of the meatballs reach at least 145 degrees internally.
4. Cool and serve. Take out of the oven and let sit for a couple minutes before adding the meatballs to a baked pasta dish, or sub sandwich. Enjoy!

Storing Instructions

• Fridge: Leftover spicy Italian meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to transfer them to an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating.
• Freezing: If you want to extend their shelf life, you can also freeze the meatballs. When properly stored in the freezer, they can last for 2-3 months.
• Thawing: Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and enjoying.

More of the Best Appetizers

• Potato Skins
• Hot Cheeto Fried Chicken
• Mini Quiche
• Caramel Apple Dip
• PepperJack Queso
• Cheesy Appetizers
• Appetizer Dip Recipes
• More Easy Appetizer Recipes

These authentic Italian Meatballs are made with half hot Italian sausage and half lean ground beef. This is a step by step guide to making delicious old school Italian meatballs. So delicious!