Sweet & Spicy Blackberry Chipotle Meatballs

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, diced onion, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently until just combined.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned.
While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the blackberry preserves, minced chipotle peppers, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce.
Simmer the sauce for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes glossy.
Add the baked meatballs to the saucepan and gently toss to coat them in the sauce.
Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for another 3–4 minutes so they absorb the sweet and smoky flavors.

Turkey Meatballs: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Extra Smoky: Add a small pinch of smoked chili powder or extra chipotle.
Berry Blend: Mix raspberry preserves with the blackberry preserves for a deeper fruit flavor.
Slow Cooker Version: After baking, transfer meatballs and sauce to a slow cooker and keep warm for parties.

Mix the meatball ingredients gently to avoid dense or tough meatballs.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water or broth to loosen it slightly.
For smoother sauce, blend the blackberry preserves before heating.
Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions for color and freshness.
These meatballs reheat well, making them perfect for meal prep or leftovers.