Spicy Cocktail Meatballs

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 cup plain bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 eggs
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons adobe sauce (from can of chipotle peppers in adobo)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon canola oil

For the sauce:

• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 cups ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Directions

To make the meatballs: In a large bowl, mix together all the ingredients, except the canola oil. Shape heaping teaspoons of the mixture into 1-inch balls. In a Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, wiping pan in between, saute the meatballs, turning frequently for even browning, until cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes. Place on a paper towel-lined plate.

To make the sauce:

Heat oil in the same Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onions and saute until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Add the crushed red pepper and cook 1 minute. Stir in the remaining ingredients and reduce heat to low.

Add the browned meatballs to the Dutch oven and toss gently to coat with sauce.