Firecracker Meatballs (HelloFresh Copycat Recipe) – Fast Dinner, Big Taste

Firecracker Meatballs are about to change your weeknight dinner game—in the best possible way. These sweet, spicy, and totally irresistible meatballs are loaded with flavor, served over coconut rice, and paired with roasted green beans for a meal that checks all the boxes: comforting, healthy-ish, and fast enough for a busy Tuesday. This homemade version of the famous HelloFresh Firecracker Meatballs is not only just as tasty, it might even have your family asking, “When are we having that again?” And honestly, that firecracker sauce? You’ll want to drizzle it on everything.

Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding picky eaters, or just craving a bowl of cozy goodness with a kick, Firecracker Meatballs deliver every time. Bonus? You’ll probably have most of the ingredients already in your kitchen—and if not, they’re easy to grab. So if you’re stuck in a dinner rut, or just tired of staring at your fridge wondering “what’s for dinner,” let’s make it loud, let’s make it spicy, let’s make Firecracker Meatballs.

Table of Contents

What Are Firecracker Meatballs?

Firecracker Meatballs are a crave-worthy mix of juicy beef meatballs seasoned with garlic, ginger, scallions, and red pepper flakes, baked to golden perfection, and then drizzled with a bold, creamy firecracker sauce. The real magic happens with the flavor contrast—think spicy and tangy meets creamy and sweet. Inspired by the HelloFresh fan-favorite, this recipe serves up everything you love about takeout-style Asian-fusion food—but from your own kitchen.

What makes this dish stand out is the balance: the meatballs are flavorful without being overpowering, the sauce adds zing without setting your mouth on fire, and the coconut rice gives it that rich, buttery base to tie it all together. And of course, no Firecracker Meatballs meal is complete without those roasted green beans—crisp, just slightly charred, and tossed with a little olive oil and salt. This dish feels like a Friday night treat, but it’s doable any night of the week. It’s easy to see why these meatballs have gone viral on social media and meal delivery sites—they’re just that satisfying.

Reasons to Try Firecracker Meatballs

First of all, Firecracker Meatballs are a total weeknight win. They come together in just over 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver for anyone juggling work, kids, or a mountain of laundry (or all three). You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients, and there’s very little cleanup thanks to the one-pan method for baking both the meatballs and the green beans. And let’s talk flavor—these aren’t your average bland meatballs.

We’re talking layers of taste here: the warmth of fresh ginger, the savory depth of soy sauce or coconut aminos, the bright tang of vinegar, and that creamy, spicy firecracker sauce that steals the show. And while the spice level is totally adjustable (you can hold back on the Sriracha for sensitive palates), it still feels bold and exciting. Another reason this dish is worth adding to your regular rotation? It’s incredibly flexible. You can swap the beef for ground turkey, serve it over cauliflower rice, or even throw the leftovers in a wrap for lunch the next day. Plus, it’s one of those meals that actually tastes as good as it looks—which, if you ask us, is rare in the meal prep world.

Ingredients Needed to Make Firecracker Meatballs

For the Coconut Rice:

• 1 tbsp sesame oil (or olive or avocado oil)
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
• ¾ cup water
• Pinch of kosher salt

For the Firecracker Meatballs & Green Beans:

• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free works too!)
• ¼ cup milk (any kind)
• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean is best)
• 4 scallions, sliced and divided (white and green parts separated)
• 2 tsp fresh grated ginger
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1 lb fresh green beans, ends trimmed

For the Firecracker Sauce:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise (Primal Kitchen or any preferred brand)
• ¼ cup sour cream (or dairy-free alternative)
• 2 tbsp Sriracha or buffalo sauce
• 3 tbsp coconut aminos or low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 tsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• Red chili flakes or Korean chili crunch (to taste)

Instructions to Make Firecracker Meatballs

Step-by-step is the name of the game here, so if you’re new to this recipe, just follow along. We’ll walk through it one bite at a time.

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Sheet Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and placing the oven rack in the top position. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper (or lightly grease with olive oil) for easier cleanup. You’ll be cooking both the meatballs and the green beans on this same pan, so make sure it’s large enough for everything to sit in a single layer.

Step 2: Make the Coconut Rice

Grab a medium skillet and heat up your sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the sesame seeds and toast them for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant and golden. Add in your rinsed jasmine rice, coconut milk, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring it all to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover it up, and let it simmer for 15–18 minutes. Once the liquid is absorbed and the rice is fluffy, turn off the heat and keep it covered until serving.

Want more rice inspiration? Try this One-Pan Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice for another easy dinner idea.

Step 3: Make the Meatballs

While the rice is cooking, grab a large bowl and mix the breadcrumbs with milk. Let that sit for about 5 minutes to soften. In the meantime, chop your scallions and separate the whites from the green tops. Add the ground beef, scallion whites, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and salt to the bowl. Use your hands (yep, it’s a little messy) to mix everything just until combined—don’t overmix or the meatballs can get tough.

Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form 1 ½-inch meatballs (you should get about 20–22 meatballs). Place them on one side of the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Prep the Green Beans

Add the trimmed green beans to the other side of the baking sheet. Drizzle them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Toss to coat evenly, then drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the meatballs. Into the oven it goes for 14–16 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden and the green beans are slightly charred and tender.

Step 5: Mix the Firecracker Sauce

While everything’s baking, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, Sriracha (or buffalo sauce), soy sauce or coconut aminos, honey, and vinegar. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness as needed. Want it spicier? Add more chili flakes or even a spoonful of Korean chili crunch.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Fluff your coconut rice and divide it among bowls. Top with the meatballs, roasted green beans, and a good drizzle of that glorious firecracker sauce. Sprinkle with extra sesame seeds, scallion greens, and more chili crunch if you’re feeling bold.

P.S. Want a low-calorie Asian-style option? Check out this Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry.

What to Serve with Firecracker Meatballs

While this dish is already pretty complete, there are a few fun ways to round it out if you’re cooking for a crowd (or just really hungry). Try serving it with a light and fresh Asian Crunch Salad on the side for a crisp contrast. If you’re hosting a dinner and want a show-stopping starter, you could add Coconut Pistachio Pudding Cake for dessert—it’s creamy, tropical, and a natural pair with that coconut rice base. You could also swap the rice for Easy Mango Slaw if you’re going low-carb or gluten-free. And hey, if you’re really feeling fancy, serve with a chilled white wine or sparkling water with lime. This is one of those meals that works year-round.

Key Tips for Making Firecracker Meatballs

1. Don’t skip the breadcrumb soak: Letting the breadcrumbs absorb the milk gives you tender, moist meatballs—skip it and you’ll know.
2. Use parchment for less mess: Cleanup is easier and your meatballs won’t stick.
3. Taste the sauce as you go: Everyone’s heat tolerance is different—start mild and go bolder.
4. Use your hands to mix the meatballs: It keeps the texture just right and avoids overmixing.
5. Let the rice rest covered after cooking: This helps it fluff perfectly and absorb any extra moisture.
6. Add the sauce right before serving: This keeps the meatballs from getting soggy and the green beans crisp.
7. Double the sauce: You won’t regret it. It’s amazing as a dip for veggies, fries, or even in a wrap.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Firecracker Meatballs

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store the meatballs, rice, green beans, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop the meatballs and green beans on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave them on medium heat. Just know the green beans may lose a little crispness. The rice can be microwaved with a splash of water to bring it back to life. The sauce? Keep it cold and drizzle on after reheating—trust me on this one. You can also freeze the uncooked meatballs for a quick future dinner. Just freeze them flat on a tray before transferring to a zip-top bag.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely. Turkey works especially well if you want something lighter, just don’t go too lean or the meatballs might dry out.

Is this dish spicy?
Mild to medium by default. But you can easily dial the heat up or down depending on how much Sriracha or chili crunch you add.

Can I make it dairy-free or gluten-free?
Yep! Use dairy-free sour cream and mayo, and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Coconut aminos are also a great soy sauce alternative.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! The meatballs can be formed in advance and stored in the fridge, and the sauce keeps for days.

What other veggies can I roast?
Broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots would all work well in place of green beans.

Final Thoughts

Firecracker Meatballs aren’t just another dinner—they’re the kind of meal that might just sneak its way into your weekly lineup. They’re easy, flexible, and packed with flavor, whether you go mild or spicy. Plus, that creamy firecracker sauce? It’s the stuff of legends. Whether you’re making it for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just treating yourself to a bowl of warm, comforting flavor—you’ll be glad you made this. And if you love this recipe, don’t forget to check out our Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls for another easy, flavor-packed dinner idea.

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