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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Transfer frozen meatballs directly into the crockpot, creating an even layer for consistent cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Enhance the presentation by sprinkling freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the meatballs just before serving.
- 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