Hey y'all! Looking for an irresistibly tasty appetizer or main dish that's as easy as it is delicious? These Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot are juicy, tender, and coated in a sweet, tangy glaze that will have everyone begging for seconds. Whether you're hosting a game day party, family dinner, or potluck, this crowd-pleasing recipe is simple to prep and full of bold flavors. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot Recipe
- Set-it-and-forget-it recipe—let your slow cooker do all the work!
- Perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory in every bite.
- Great as a party appetizer, main dish, or easy weeknight meal.
- Freezer-friendly and ideal for meal prep.
- Minimal prep with maximum flavor—just toss in and go!
Ingredients for Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot
- 2 lbs (about 48) frozen fully-cooked meatballs (beef, pork, turkey, or chicken)
- 1 ½ cups sweet chili sauce (such as Mae Ploy)
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Directions for Crockpot Sweet Chili Meatballs
Step 1: Prep Your Crockpot and Sauce
Lightly spray the inside of your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, ketchup, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Combine Meatballs and Sauce
Place the frozen meatballs into the crockpot. Pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs, making sure every meatball is coated with the sweet chili mixture.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, stirring halfway through to coat the meatballs evenly. Meatballs should be hot and tender, and the sauce should be thick and glossy.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a burst of color and crunch. Serve hot straight from the crockpot!
Notes & Helpful Cooking Tips
- You can use homemade meatballs instead of frozen; just brown them before adding to the crockpot for best texture (learn how here).
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Variations: Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot Recipe Ideas
- BBQ Twist: Swap half of the sweet chili sauce for your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky-sweet flavor.
- Asian-Inspired: Add 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger and a splash of fish sauce for umami depth.
- Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: Use lean turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter option.
Equipment Needed for Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot
- 6-quart crockpot/slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions: How to Store Crockpot Sweet Chili Meatballs
Let meatballs cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop until hot and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot
- Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy snacking.
- Pair with steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a hearty meal.
- Enjoy alongside a fresh Asian slaw or sautéed veggies to balance flavors.
Pro Tips for the Best Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot
- Stir the meatballs halfway through cooking to ensure even coating and heating.
- Don’t overcook—meatballs just need to be heated through and saucy (learn more about meatball food safety from USDA).
- Add garnishes just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
FAQ: Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot
- Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
- Absolutely! Just make sure they’re cooked through before adding to the crockpot—this keeps the texture perfect.
- What kind of sweet chili sauce works best?
- Any store-bought sweet chili sauce works, but Asian brands like Mae Ploy or Thai Kitchen add great authentic flavor.
- How do I prevent the sauce from getting too watery?
- If the sauce seems too thin at the end of cooking, remove the lid and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes to thicken naturally.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours (LOW) or 2 hours (HIGH)
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Yield: Serves 8-10 as an appetizer or 5-6 as a main dish
Ingredients
- 2 pounds frozen meatballs
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce
- ½ cup grape jelly
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
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1In a medium bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, grape jelly, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and black pepper until well combined.
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2Place the frozen meatballs in the bottom of the crockpot.
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3Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs, ensuring all are coated.
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4Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, stirring once halfway through.
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5Garnish with sliced green onions before serving. Serve hot as an appetizer or over rice for dinner.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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