Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot Recipe: A Tasty Game Day Winner

Sweet chili sauce brings these meatballs to life with an irresistible kick that dances across your taste buds.

Tender ground beef blends seamlessly with aromatic spices, creating a memorable dish.

Every bite promises a burst of tangy, slightly spicy goodness that makes dinner exciting.

Slow cooking ensures each meatball absorbs rich flavors while staying incredibly juicy.

Your kitchen will smell amazing as these delectable morsels simmer throughout the afternoon.

The combination of savory meat and zesty sweet chili sauce guarantees a crowd-pleasing meal everyone will devour.

Grab your crockpot and get ready to become the hero of your next meal gathering.

Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot Recipe Everyone’s Making

• Dump-and-go method makes this recipe incredibly easy, requiring minimal prep and zero complicated techniques for busy home cooks.
• Sweet, tangy sauce with a hint of heat creates an irresistible combination that appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteeing clean plates at every gathering.
• Works perfectly as a quick appetizer for parties or a satisfying main course over rice, offering flexibility for different dining scenarios and meal planning needs.
• Crockpot cooking means hands-off preparation, allowing you to walk away while the meatballs develop rich, deep flavors without constant monitoring or complex cooking skills.

Ingredients That Go in Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot Recipe

• Sweet Chili Sauce: Core flavor component with tangy and slightly spicy profile, key to creating signature taste.
• Ketchup: Adds sweetness and depth, helps bind sauce ingredients together.
• Soy Sauce: Provides umami and salt, enhances overall savory flavor.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that balances spice and adds glossy texture.
• Rice Vinegar: Bright acidic element that cuts through richness.

• Garlic: Aromatic base that adds robust flavor complexity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional heat booster for spice lovers.

• Cornstarch: Creates smooth sauce consistency, helps sauce cling to meatballs.
• Water: Helps dissolve cornstarch for seamless sauce thickening.

• Green Onions: Fresh, crisp topping that adds color and mild onion flavor.
• Sesame Seeds: Provides nutty crunch and visual appeal.

• Frozen Meatballs: Convenient protein base, absorbs sauce flavors during slow cooking.

Crockpot Method for Sweet Chili Meatballs

Step 1: Whisk Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Sweet chili sauce
• Ketchup
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes

Blend until smooth and fragrant, creating a tangy and sweet sauce base.

Step 2: Layer Meatballs in Crockpot

Gently place frozen meatballs into the crockpot.

Drench the meatballs completely with the prepared sauce, ensuring every morsel gets coated.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Low setting: 4-5 hours
• High setting: 2-3 hours

Stir occasionally to guarantee even sauce distribution.

Step 4: Enhance Sauce Consistency

• Mix cornstarch with water
• Stir into the sauce

Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken while covered.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

• Appetizer with toothpicks
• Main dish over steamed rice

Cooking Tips for Sweet Chili Meatballs in the Slow Cooker

• Boost Sauce Flavor: Add a splash of sriracha or gochujang for extra heat and depth, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Prevent Mushy Meatballs: Use frozen meatballs directly to maintain their texture and prevent breaking apart during slow cooking.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes or omit completely to suit different heat preferences for family and guests.
• Enhance Serving Options: Pair with sticky rice, cauliflower rice, or serve as a party appetizer with colorful garnishes for visual appeal.
• Quick Sauce Trick: Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to prevent lumps and ensure smooth sauce thickening in the crockpot.

Best Way to Save and Rewarm Sweet Chili Meatballs

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping the sauce and meatballs together to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Transfer cooled meatballs and sauce to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
• Warm meatballs in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently to prevent breaking. Add a splash of water if sauce seems dry to restore original texture.
• Place meatballs in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Foods That Work Well with Sweet Chili Meatballs

• Prepare a tangy coleslaw with rice vinegar, cilantro, and julienned vegetables to balance the rich, sweet-spicy meatballs.
• Craft a zesty non-alcoholic drink with fresh ginger, lemon juice, and honey that cuts through the meatballs' bold flavors.
• Serve meatballs over fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sweet chili sauce and provide a neutral, fragrant base.
• Select a light Asian-style lager or wheat beer with subtle hoppy notes that complement the dish's sweet and spicy profile.

Remix Ideas for Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot Recipe

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe gluten-free. Use certified gluten-free meatballs or make homemade meatballs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap meatballs with plant-based meatballs made from tofu, tempeh, or Beyond Meat. Adjust cooking time to prevent overcooking plant-based proteins.
• Low-Carb Version: Use sugar-free sweet chili sauce or make a homemade sauce with erythritol instead of honey. Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb meal.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha sauce for extra heat. Include diced jalapeños in the sauce for a more intense spicy experience.

Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy-sweet “Sweet Chili Meatballs” bring explosive Asian-inspired flavors straight from your slow cooker. Tender beef morsels bathed in tangy sauce promise a crowd-pleasing meal that delivers comfort and excitement in each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 lbs (900 g) frozen meatballs

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) sweet chili sauce
• ½ cup (120 ml) ketchup
• ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

Flavor Enhancers and Garnish:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty sauce by whisking together sweet chili sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a medium mixing bowl until smooth and well-blended.
2. Transfer frozen meatballs directly into the crockpot, creating an even layer for consistent cooking.
3. Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs, gently rotating and stirring to ensure each meatball is completely and generously coated with the vibrant sauce mixture.
4. Cover the crockpot and set to low temperature, allowing the meatballs to slowly simmer and absorb flavors for 4-5 hours. Alternatively, use high temperature for 2-3 hours, occasionally stirring to promote even sauce distribution.
5. For a more luxurious sauce consistency, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water 30 minutes before serving. Stir this mixture into the crockpot, allowing the sauce to gently thicken while maintaining its glossy appearance.
6. Enhance the presentation by sprinkling freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the meatballs just before serving.
7. Present as an elegant appetizer with decorative toothpicks or serve atop fluffy steamed rice for a complete meal experience.

Notes

• Swap frozen meatballs with homemade or plant-based versions for personalized dietary needs like vegetarian or gluten-free options.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or eliminating red pepper flakes for sensitive palates, ensuring everyone can enjoy the dish.
• Create a lighter sauce by using low-sodium soy sauce and replacing honey with sugar-free alternatives for health-conscious individuals.
• Experiment with additional garnishes like chopped cilantro or crushed peanuts to add extra texture and flavor complexity to the sweet chili meatballs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg