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
Scale
- 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