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Easy Firecracker Meatballs – A Sweet, Spicy, Creamy HelloFresh-Style Dinner with Juicy Beef Meatballs, Crispy Green Beans, and Fluffy Jasmine Rice

If you love bold flavors with the perfect balance of sweet heat and creamy richness, these Easy Firecracker Meatballs are guaranteed to win you over. Inspired by the popular HelloFresh favorite, this copycat recipe delivers juicy beef meatballs coated in a spicy, sticky firecracker sauce, paired with tender-crisp green beans and fluffy jasmine rice. It’s comforting, exciting, and incredibly satisfying — the kind of dinner that feels restaurant-worthy yet easy enough for a weeknight. What makes this dish truly special is the sauce. Creamy coconut milk and mayo mellow the heat from sriracha or buffalo sauce, while honey adds sweetness and coconut aminos bring savory depth. Fresh garlic and ginger layer in warmth and aroma, creating a sauce that clings beautifully to the meatballs and ties the whole dish together. Every bite delivers contrast — spicy, sweet, creamy, and savory all at once. This recipe is practical, filling, and family-friendly, with easy steps and familiar ingredients. It’s naturally high in protein, customizable to your spice preference, and perfect for meal prep or cozy dinners. Whether you’re recreating a HelloFresh favorite or discovering firecracker meatballs for the first time, this dish is bound to become a repeat hit at your table.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatballs
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 scallions finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
Firecracker Sauce
  • ¼ cup mayo
  • ¼ cup dairy-free sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha or buffalo sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 3 tablespoons coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
  • Red chili flakes or Korean chili crunch to taste
Sides
  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • ¾ cup water
  • 1 lb fresh green beans trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • Remaining scallions sliced
  • These ingredients combine to create juicy meatballs a creamy-spicy sauce, and a perfectly balanced bowl-style dinner.

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet or large skillet
  • Medium saucepan
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula or tongs

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Rice
  1. Rinse jasmine rice under cold water.
  2. Add rice and water to a saucepan.
  3. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and keep covered.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatballs
  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, milk, kosher salt, minced garlic, and chopped scallions.
  2. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Form into evenly sized meatballs.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add meatballs and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
  3. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Green Beans
  1. In the same skillet, add olive oil if needed.
  2. Add green beans and a pinch of salt.
  3. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until tender-crisp and lightly blistered.
  4. Remove and set aside.
Step 5: Make the Firecracker Sauce
  1. In a bowl, whisk together mayo, dairy-free sour cream, sriracha or buffalo sauce, honey, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and chili flakes.
  2. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Simmer the Sauce
  1. Pour the sauce into the skillet over low heat.
  2. Gently warm for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly.
Step 7: Coat the Meatballs
  1. Add cooked meatballs back into the skillet.
  2. Toss gently until fully coated in the firecracker sauce.
Step 8: Assemble and Serve
  1. Fluff the rice with a fork.
  2. Serve meatballs over jasmine rice with green beans on the side.
  3. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced scallions.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze meatballs and sauce separately for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Add a splash of water or coconut milk if sauce thickens.
🥄 Variations
Extra Spicy: Add more chili crunch or sriracha
Milder Version: Reduce hot sauce and chili flakes
Chicken Meatballs: Substitute ground chicken
Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice
Veggie Boost: Add carrots or snap peas
Meal Prep Bowls: Portion into containers with rice and beans
❓ 10 FAQs
Are these meatballs very spicy?
They’re medium-spicy and easy to adjust.
Can I bake the meatballs instead?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, reduce the hot sauce.
Can I use soy sauce instead of coconut aminos?
Yes, use low-sodium soy sauce.
Does the sauce thicken naturally?
Yes, it becomes creamy when warmed.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, it scales very well.
Is this dairy-free?
Yes, with dairy-free sour cream.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, flavors improve overnight.
What pairs well with this dish?
Rice, green beans, or simple salad.
Is this a full meal?
Yes, it’s hearty and balanced.
🏁 Conclusion
These Easy Firecracker Meatballs are everything you want in a bold, comforting dinner — juicy, saucy, and packed with sweet heat and creamy richness. Inspired by the HelloFresh favorite, this copycat recipe brings restaurant-style flavor into your kitchen with simple steps and everyday ingredients. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or when you’re craving something exciting yet comforting, this dish is guaranteed to become a regular favorite once you try it.