Let me tell you, Sweet Chili Crockpot Meatballs are a total game-changer. They’re the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and a little kick of spice, and they come together so easily in the slow cooker. Whether you’re hosting a party, needing a family-friendly dinner, or just looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these meatballs are always a hit. I’ve made them for everything from game days to potlucks, and they disappear every time! Bonus? You only need a handful of ingredients, and the crockpot does all the work for you. Let’s dive in!
What You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs frozen pre-cooked meatballs (beef, chicken, or turkey—your choice!)
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/2 cup grape jelly
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Optional toppings: sliced green onions, sesame seeds
Pro Tips:
- Choose your heat level: If you want spicier meatballs, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Don’t skip the jelly! It may sound odd, but the grape jelly is what gives the sauce that sticky, sweet perfection.
- Stir halfway through: Give the meatballs a little stir halfway through cooking to make sure they’re evenly coated in the sauce.
- Make it fancy: A sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds makes these look extra special with almost no effort.
- Perfect for parties: Keep the crockpot on “warm” so guests can help themselves throughout the event!
Tools You’ll Need:
- A crockpot/slow cooker
- A mixing bowl
- A whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A spoon for stirring
Substitutions & Variations:
- No grape jelly? Use apricot preserves or honey instead.
- Sweet chili sauce swap: Can’t find sweet chili sauce? Use BBQ sauce with a dash of hot sauce for a similar vibe.
- Want homemade meatballs? You can totally use your favorite homemade meatball recipe—just cook them before adding to the crockpot.
- Add veggies: Throw in diced bell peppers or pineapple chunks for extra flavor and texture.
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Whisk the sauce ingredients together the night before and store in the fridge. When you’re ready, just pour it over the meatballs in the crockpot and go!
Instructions:
1. Prep the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, grape jelly, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth.
2. Combine in Crockpot
Place the frozen meatballs into the crockpot. Pour the sauce over the top and toss gently to coat.
3. Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, stirring halfway through. The meatballs should be heated through and coated in the sauce.
4. Serve
Once cooked, transfer the meatballs to a serving dish and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Leftovers & Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
- These freeze great too! Just let them cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
Wrap-Up:
And there you have it—Sweet Chili Crockpot Meatballs that are as easy as they are delicious! Whether you’re making them for your family or wowing your friends at a party, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. I’d love to hear how yours turned out, so leave a comment below and share your experience. Let me know if you added your own twist, too—I’m always looking for new ideas! 😊
