CROCKPOT SWEET CHILI MEATBALLS

Picture this: tender, juicy meatballs, swimming in a vibrant, sweet, and subtly spicy chili sauce. Now imagine achieving this culinary masterpiece with minimal effort, thanks to your trusty slow cooker. We’re about to dive into making truly Irresistible Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot, a dish that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply a satisfying weeknight dinner that your whole family will devour. Get ready for the easiest and most flavorful meatball recipe you’ll ever make!

Gathering Your Heavenly Ingredients

Here is everything you’ll need to whip up these amazing Sweet Chili Meatballs…

For the Meatballs:

• 1.5 lbs Frozen Meatballs: I usually go for Italian style, but feel free to experiment!
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil: If you’re browning your meatballs first.

For the Sweet Chili Sauce:

• 1 cup Sweet Chili Sauce: The star of the show!
• 1/2 cup Ketchup: Adds a touch of tang and depth.
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar: For that extra layer of caramel-like sweetness.
• 2 tbsp Soy Sauce: Balances the sweetness with umami.
• 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar: A hint of acidity to brighten the flavors.
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder: Because garlic makes everything better.
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder: Enhances the savory notes.
• 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For an extra kick!

Optional Garnishes:

• Sesame Seeds: Adds a nutty crunch.
• Chopped Green Onions: For a fresh, vibrant finish.

Step-by-Step to Sweet Chili Meatball Perfection

Let’s get this show on the road! Don’t worry, it’s so easy, you’ll be amazed.

Preparing the Meatballs (Optional):

1. (Optional) Brown the Meatballs: This step isn’t essential, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the frozen meatballs in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and brown on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Making the Sweet Chili Sauce:

1. Whisk Together the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure the brown sugar is fully dissolved.

Crockpot Magic:

1. Combine and Cook: Place the browned (or frozen) meatballs into your crockpot. Pour the sweet chili sauce mixture over the meatballs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
2. Slow Cook to Deliciousness: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 1-2 hours. The meatballs are ready when they are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Garnish and Serve:

1. Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
2. Serve and Enjoy! Serve the Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot as an appetizer, over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. They’re also fantastic in sliders or on toasted baguette slices!

Why These Meatballs Are Simply Irresistible

Seriously, what’s the secret sauce (pun intended!) to making these meatballs so addictive? It’s all about the balance of flavors. The sweet chili sauce provides that signature sweetness and a touch of spice, while the ketchup adds a familiar tang. The brown sugar deepens the sweetness, and the soy sauce brings in a savory umami element. The rice vinegar cuts through the richness, and the garlic and onion powders provide a comforting, aromatic base. It’s a symphony of flavors that will have everyone coming back for more.

Tips and Tricks for Meatball Mastery

Even though this recipe is incredibly easy, here are a few tips to ensure your Sweet Chili Meatballs are absolutely perfect every single time:

• Don’t Overcook: Overcooking the meatballs can make them dry. Keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Use High-Quality Sweet Chili Sauce: The quality of your sweet chili sauce will greatly impact the flavor of the finished dish. Experiment with different brands to find your favorite.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, omit the red pepper flakes. If you like it really spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Thicken the Sauce (If Needed): If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can thicken it by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the slurry into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Variations to Spice Things Up (Even More!)

Want to put your own spin on this classic recipe? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Pineapple Sweet Chili Meatballs: Add a can of crushed pineapple (drained) to the crockpot for a tropical twist.
• Asian-Inspired Meatballs: Add a tablespoon of grated ginger and a teaspoon of sesame oil to the sauce for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.
• Honey Garlic Sweet Chili Meatballs: Add a couple of tablespoons of honey to the sauce for extra sweetness and a hint of honey-garlic flavor. You might like our HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN for inspiration!

Serving Suggestions That Will Wow Your Guests

These Sweet Chili Meatballs are incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to serve them:

• Appetizer: Serve them in a bowl with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties.
• Main Course: Serve them over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
• Sliders: Serve them on slider buns with a drizzle of extra sauce for a fun and flavorful sandwich.
• Baguette Bites: Serve them on toasted baguette slices with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions for a sophisticated appetizer.
• Meatball Subs: Load them into a sub roll with melted mozzarella cheese for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Other Meatball Adventures Await!

If you’re a meatball fanatic like me, you’re in luck! There’s a whole world of meatball possibilities out there. Why not try these amazing alternatives:

• For a comforting and creamy delight, try CREAMY PARMESAN TURKEY MEATBALLS!
• If you want something a little more fruity, consider PEACHY CROCKPOT MEATBALL!

More Crockpot Creations to Explore

While we’re on the subject of easy and delicious crockpot recipes, be sure to check out these other crowd-pleasers:

• SWEET CHILI CHICKEN – If you love these meatballs, you’ll adore this chicken recipe!
• Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes – A complete meal that’s as easy as it is delicious!

The Grand Finale: Your Delicious Destiny

There you have it! Your guide to creating the most Irresistible Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot recipe you’ve ever tasted. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a delicious and crowd-pleasing dish ready to go. So, fire up your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the easiest and most flavorful meatball experience of your life. Happy cooking!

Crockpot Sweet Chili Meatballs

Amelia Chen-Morrison

These Crockpot Sweet Chili Meatballs are tender, juicy, and coated in a vibrant, sweet, and subtly spicy sauce. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe requires minimal effort and yields maximum flavor. Serve as an appetizer, over rice, or in sliders for a versatile and delicious meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American, Asian-inspired

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Crockpot (slow cooker)
• Large Skillet (Optional, for browning meatballs)
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or spoon

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs Frozen Meatballs Italian style recommended
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil optional, for browning
• 1 cup Sweet Chili Sauce
• ½ cup Ketchup
• ¼ cup Brown Sugar
• 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
• 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• ½ tsp Onion Powder
• ¼ tsp Red Pepper Flakes optional
• Sesame Seeds optional garnish
• Chopped Green Onions optional garnish

Instructions

 

• If browning the meatballs (optional): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the frozen meatballs in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and brown on all sides for 5-7 minutes.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) until the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
• Place the browned (or frozen) meatballs into your crockpot.
• Pour the sweet chili sauce mixture over the meatballs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
• Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 1-2 hours. Cook until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
• If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the slurry into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving (optional).
• Serve hot as an appetizer, over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. They’re also fantastic in sliders or on toasted baguette slices.

Notes

For best results, use high-quality sweet chili sauce. Adjust the spice level by omitting or increasing the amount of red pepper flakes. To prevent meatballs from drying out, avoid overcooking; adjust cooking time as needed. These meatballs can be made ahead of time. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For a tropical twist, add a can of drained, crushed pineapple to the crockpot. For an Asian-inspired flavor, add 1 tablespoon of grated ginger and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to the sauce. To add extra sweetness and a honey-garlic flavor, add a couple tablespoons of honey to the sauce.