Buckle up, y’all, because we’re about to take your taste buds on a wild ride with these Spicy Chipotle BBQ Meatball Sliders with Crunchy Slaw! Get ready for an explosion of flavors that will have you coming back for more. These babies are the ultimate fusion of smoky, spicy, and sweet – a true fiesta for your mouth. Prepare to impress your friends and family with this epic dish that’s sure to have them begging for the recipe. Let’s dive in and transform your ordinary meal into a legendary food adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Chipotle BBQ Meatball Sliders with Crunchy Slaw
These Spicy Chipotle BBQ Meatball Sliders with Crunchy Slaw are about to become your new obsession. The meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and packed with a delicious chipotle kick, while the crunchy slaw adds the perfect refreshing contrast. The sweet and tangy BBQ sauce ties it all together, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or just looking to spice up your weeknight dinner, these sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Get ready to wow your guests and make them beg for seconds (or thirds!). This recipe is a total game-changer that’s sure to have everyone asking, “How did you make these taste so incredible?”
Ingredients
To make these Spicy Chipotle BBQ Meatball Sliders with Crunchy Slaw, you’ll need a few key ingredients: ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, BBQ sauce, onion, garlic, spices, and for the slaw, cabbage, carrots, red onion, mayonnaise, lime juice, and cilantro. Get ready to transform these simple components into a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds doing cartwheels!
- 1 lb – Ground beef
- 1/2 cup – Breadcrumbs
- 2 – Eggs
- 2 tbsp – Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 cup – BBQ sauce
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp – Salt
- 1/2 tsp – Black pepper
- 2 cups – Shredded cabbage
- 1 cup – Shredded carrots
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup – Mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp – Lime juice
- 1/4 cup – Chopped cilantro
Ingredient Substitutions
- Spice Level: If you’re not a fan of too much heat, you can reduce the amount of chipotle peppers used in the meatballs. Or, for an extra fiery kick, add a teaspoon or two of your favorite hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
- Meat Type: Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. You can also use plant-based ground “meat” for a vegetarian/vegan version.
How to Make Spicy Chipotle BBQ Meatball Sliders with Crunchy Slaw
Let’s get started on creating these epic Spicy Chipotle BBQ Meatball Sliders with Crunchy Slaw. This recipe is an absolute flavor bomb, so be prepared to have your taste buds rocked!
Step 1: Prep Work
Let’s start by getting all our ingredients ready to go. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, minced chipotle peppers, garlic, onion, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined. Then, form the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, about 1-inch in size.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Now, it’s time to get these meatballs sizzling! Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Working in batches, carefully add the meatballs to the hot pan and cook until they’re browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the BBQ sauce. Let it simmer for a minute or two, then add the cooked meatballs back to the pan, tossing them gently to coat them in the sauce.
While the meatballs are simmering, let’s make the crunchy slaw. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, red onion, mayonnaise, lime juice, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Toss everything together until the slaw is well coated.
Now, it’s time to assemble these epic sliders! Grab your favorite slider buns (or use small dinner rolls) and layer the bottom buns with the saucy meatballs. Top each one with a generous helping of the crunchy slaw, then add the top buns.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
If you want to take these sliders to the next level, try garnishing them with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce. Get ready for your guests to go wild over these sensational Spicy Chipotle BBQ Meatball Sliders with Crunchy Slaw!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Meat Swap: Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Sauce Swap: Experiment with different types of BBQ sauce, like a sweet and smoky Kansas City-style or a tangy Carolina-style.
- Hawaiian Twist: Use pineapple-infused BBQ sauce and top the meatballs with a grilled pineapple ring.
- Mexican-Inspired: Add diced jalapeños to the slaw and serve the sliders with a dollop of creamy guacamole.
No matter how you decide to customize these Spicy Chipotle BBQ Meatball Sliders, the key is to have fun and let your creativity shine. These are the kind of dishes that are meant to be played with and enjoyed without any rules. So go ahead, get a little wild in the kitchen, and let these sliders take your taste buds on an epic flavor adventure!
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crispy fries, creamy coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: Store the meatballs and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat the meatballs, simply add them back to a skillet with a splash of BBQ sauce and warm them through over medium heat.
Make-Ahead: The meatballs can be prepped in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days before cooking. The slaw can also be made up to 2 days in advance.
Nutrition Information
These Spicy Chipotle BBQ Meatball Sliders with Crunchy Slaw are a flavor-packed, but still nutritious, option for your next meal. Each slider packs around 300 calories, with a balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. The ground beef provides a solid dose of iron and zinc, while the cabbage and carrots in the slaw offer a nice boost of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbs: 30 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! The meatballs can be prepped in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days before cooking. This makes these Spicy Chipotle BBQ Meatball Sliders the ultimate time-saving recipe for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, you can definitely freeze the cooked meatballs for longer-term storage. Simply allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, just thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat them in the skillet with the BBQ sauce.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Definitely! While the recipe calls for ground beef, you can easily substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based “meat” for a vegetarian/vegan option. Just keep in mind that the cooking time and texture may vary slightly depending on the type of meat you choose.
Can I make the slaw ahead of time?
Yes, the crunchy slaw can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the sliders. Give it a quick toss before serving to reincorporate the dressing.
Can I customize the spice level?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of too much heat, you can reduce the amount of chipotle peppers used in the meatballs. Or, for an extra fiery kick, add a teaspoon or two of your favorite hot sauce to the BBQ sauce. The great thing about this recipe is that it’s easy to adjust the spice level to suit your personal preferences.
Try These Next
- Smoky Bourbon Bbq Meatballs With Spicy Maple Glaze
- Spicy Chipotle Bbq Pulled Pork Nachos
- Smoked Applewood Bbq Ribs With Maple Glaze
Spicy Chipotle BBQ Meatball Sliders with Crunchy Slaw
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: 🔥 FIRE ZONE
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Spicy Chipotle BBQ Meatball Sliders are a flavor-packed treat, perfect for parties or a fun weeknight dinner. The meatballs are juicy and spicy, paired with a crunchy slaw for the perfect balance of textures.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 large egg
– 2 tbsp chipotle sauce
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 12 slider buns
– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, chipotle sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the crunchy slaw by mixing shredded cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt and pepper in a bowl.
6. Once the meatballs are done, toss them in BBQ sauce until well coated.
7. Assemble the sliders by placing a meatball on each slider bun and topping it with crunchy slaw.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Feel free to adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chipotle sauce.
These sliders are great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: meatballs, sliders, spicy, BBQ