Sweet, savory, and just a little bit spicy, these Sweet Chili Meatballs are the perfect comfort food or party appetizer. Made easily in a crockpot, they’re great for busy days when you want something delicious with minimal effort.
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Why You’ll Love These Sweet Chili Meatballs
- Effortless Cooking: The crockpot does all the work—just set it and forget it.
- Sweet and Spicy Balance: The combination of sweet chili sauce and savory meatballs is irresistible.
- Versatile Dish: Serve these as an appetizer, over rice for a meal, or with toothpicks for party snacks.
- Family-Friendly: The mild heat level makes them a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients for Sweet Chili Meatballs
Here’s what you’ll need to make these tasty meatballs:
- 2 lbs meatballs (beef, chicken, or turkey—frozen or homemade)
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (adds a subtle sweetness)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for more heat)
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
- Crockpot or slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
How to Make Sweet Chili Meatballs in the Crockpot
- Prepare the Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar (if using), garlic powder, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Combine in the Crockpot
- Add the meatballs to the crockpot. Pour the sauce mixture over them, ensuring all the meatballs are evenly coated.
- Cook the Meatballs
- Cover and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure the sauce is evenly distributed.
- Garnish and Serve
- Once done, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm as an appetizer or over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties.
- Main Dish: Pair with steamed rice or noodles and a side of stir-fried vegetables.
- Meal Prep: Store in meal prep containers for an easy, flavorful lunch throughout the week.
Tips for the Best Sweet Chili Meatballs
- Use Homemade Meatballs: If you have time, homemade meatballs add an extra layer of flavor.
- Adjust Spice Level: Add more red pepper flakes if you like a spicier kick.
- Thicker Sauce: For a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
A: Yes! If using fresh meatballs, sear them in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot for extra flavor and to help them hold their shape.
Q2: Can I make this dish vegan?
A: Absolutely! Use plant-based meatballs and ensure the sweet chili sauce is vegan-friendly.
Q3: What can I use instead of pineapple juice?
A: Orange juice or apple juice are great substitutes that provide a similar sweetness.
Conclusion: A Crockpot Classic!
These Sweet Chili Meatballs are the perfect blend of convenience and flavor, making them a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. The sweet and tangy sauce will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Did you try this recipe? Let us know your thoughts in the comments and don’t forget to share your photos with us on Instagram!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 250
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 14g
Enjoy these crowd-pleasing meatballs, and don’t forget to savor every bite!
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Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot
- Total Time: 0 hours
Description
Sweet, savory, and just a little bit spicy, these Sweet Chili Meatballs are the perfect comfort food or party appetizer. Made easily in a crockpot, they’re great for busy days when you want something delicious with minimal effort.
Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe and more amazing crockpot ideas delivered straight to your inbox!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs meatballs (beef, chicken, or turkey—frozen or homemade)
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (adds a subtle sweetness)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for more heat)
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar (if using), garlic powder, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Combine in the Crockpot
- Add the meatballs to the crockpot. Pour the sauce mixture over them, ensuring all the meatballs are evenly coated.
- Cook the Meatballs
- Cover and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure the sauce is evenly distributed.
- Garnish and Serve
- Once done, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm as an appetizer or over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use Homemade Meatballs: If you have time, homemade meatballs add an extra layer of flavor.
- Adjust Spice Level: Add more red pepper flakes if you like a spicier kick.
- Thicker Sauce: For a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
- Cuisine: Mexican
