Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender meatballs with the tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors of sweet chili sauce. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a simple family dinner, this recipe is both convenient and full of flavor. Using a crockpot makes it effortless, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully over time.
Ingredients
- Frozen meatballs: 2 pounds (pre-cooked, thawed if necessary)
- Sweet chili sauce: 1 cup
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Brown sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated
- Pineapple chunks: 1 cup (optional, for a tropical twist)
- Green onions: 2, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk until the mixture is smooth.
- Arrange the meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs in the crockpot, spreading them evenly.
- Pour the sauce: Drizzle the prepared sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well coated.
- Add optional pineapple chunks: If using, scatter pineapple chunks over the meatballs.
- Cook in the crockpot:
- Low setting: Cook for 4-5 hours.
- High setting: Cook for 2-3 hours.
Stir occasionally to evenly distribute the sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Once the meatballs are heated through and coated in the sauce, transfer them to a serving dish. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving Suggestions: Serve Sweet Chili Meatballs over steamed rice, noodles, or alongside sautéed vegetables. They can also be served as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy handling.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Freezing: These meatballs can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow them to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the crockpot or oven until thoroughly heated.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use homemade meatballs. Cook them partially before adding to the crockpot to ensure they hold their shape during the slow cooking process.
2. What can I use as a substitute for sweet chili sauce?
If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, you can mix ketchup, honey, and a dash of hot sauce to mimic the flavor profile.
3. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a teaspoon of red chili flakes or a splash of sriracha sauce to the sauce mixture for extra heat.
4. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?
Yes, you can cook these meatballs on the stovetop. Simmer the meatballs and sauce in a large skillet over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot
These crockpot Sweet Chili Meatballs combine tender meatballs with a tangy and mildly spicy sauce, making them an irresistible dish for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3–4 hours on low or 1–2 hours on high
- Total Time: 3–4 hours
- Yield: Approximately 9 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 48 ounces (about 80) frozen fully cooked homestyle meatballs
- 12 ounces sweet red chili sauce (such as Thai Kitchen)
- 20 ounces grape jelly
- 20-ounce can pineapple tidbits, drained
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot:Â Lightly grease the crockpot insert with non-stick cooking spray.
- Combine Ingredients:Â Place the frozen meatballs into the crockpot. Pour the sweet chili sauce and grape jelly over the meatballs. Add the drained pineapple tidbits. Stir gently to coat the meatballs evenly with the sauce.
- Cook:
- On High: Cover and cook on high for 1–2 hours.
- On Low: Alternatively, cook on low for 3–4 hours.
- Stir and Serve:Â Stir the meatballs occasionally during cooking to ensure even coating. Once heated through, set the crockpot to the warm setting to keep the meatballs warm during serving. Serve directly from the crockpot with toothpicks as an appetizer, or over rice as a main dish.
Notes
- Prepare the Crockpot:Â Lightly grease the crockpot insert with non-stick cooking spray.
- Combine Ingredients:Â Place the frozen meatballs into the crockpot. Pour the sweet chili sauce and grape jelly over the meatballs. Add the drained pineapple tidbits. Stir gently to coat the meatballs evenly with the sauce.
- Cook:
- On High: Cover and cook on high for 1–2 hours.
- On Low: Alternatively, cook on low for 3–4 hours.
- Stir and Serve:Â Stir the meatballs occasionally during cooking to ensure even coating. Once heated through, set the crockpot to the warm setting to keep the meatballs warm during serving. Serve directly from the crockpot with toothpicks as an appetizer, or over rice as a main dish.