Sweet and spicy, tender and juicy, Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot are an absolute crowd-pleaser! Imagine walking into your home after a long day to the intoxicating aroma of savory meatballs simmering away, gently coated in a sweet chili glaze that’s equal parts sticky and scrumptious. garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes sweet and tangy BBQ chicken The moment you take that first bite, your taste buds will be doing a happy dance while your heart swells with joy. savory French dip sandwiches
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
- How long should I cook sweet chili meatballs in the crockpot?
- What sides pair well with sweet chili meatballs?
- 📖 Recipe Card
These meatballs are not just a dish; they are an experience, perfect for parties, family dinners, or even just a cozy night in. I remember the first time I made these delightful morsels; my friends thought I had opened a restaurant right in my kitchen. Little did they know, all it took was my trusty crockpot and a few simple ingredients to create this culinary masterpiece!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These sweet chili meatballs are incredibly easy to prepare—just mix and let the crockpot do the work
- Their bold flavor profile combines sweetness with just the right amount of heat
- Visually appealing with their glossy sauce, they make any meal feel special
- Perfect for game days or casual gatherings, these meatballs are also versatile; serve them as an appetizer or alongside rice for dinner
Every time I serve these sweet chili meatballs, my family practically inhales them—it’s like watching hungry wolves at dinner time!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness. hearty slow cooker beef stew.
Breadcrumbs: Use plain breadcrumbs to help bind the meatballs together without overpowering flavors.
Eggs: One large egg acts as the magical binding agent that holds everything together.
Fresh Garlic: Always use fresh garlic; its pungent aroma elevates the flavor dramatically.
Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh crunch and subtle onion flavor.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This is where the magic happens—choose a good quality sauce for maximum flavor impact. For more inspiration, check out this General Tso’s Chicken recipe recipe.
Soy Sauce: A splash of soy sauce adds depth and umami to your meatball mixture.
Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust the spice level with red pepper flakes—more for heat or less for mildness!
Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle brings in a nutty aroma that complements the other flavors beautifully.
Cilantro (optional): Fresh cilantro is a lovely garnish that adds brightness before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes until well mixed but not overworked.
Form Your Meatballs: Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper as you go.
Add Sauce to Your Cooker: Pour half of the sweet chili sauce into your crockpot’s bottom. This will create a delicious base for your meatballs.
Crockpot Time! Gently place your meatballs into the crockpot on top of the sauce. Drizzle or spoon remaining sweet chili sauce over the top.
Cook Until Tender: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
Serve & Enjoy: Once ready, sprinkle fresh cilantro over your sweet chili meatballs before serving to brighten up those rich flavors!
And there you have it—a deliciously easy recipe that brings comfort food to new heights while filling your home with mouth-watering aromas! For more inspiration, check out this easy chicken spring rolls recipe.
You Must Know
- These Sweet Chili Meatballs are not just tasty; they make meal prep easy and fun
- The sweet and spicy aroma fills your kitchen, making it feel cozy
- Perfect for parties or a family dinner, they’re sure to impress everyone on your guest list
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the meatball ingredients thoroughly, creating uniform balls. Brown them in a pan before transferring them to the crockpot. Pour the sweet chili sauce over them, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully throughout cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground turkey or chicken for beef if you prefer leaner meat. Add fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for an extra flavor boost. Spice things up with some red pepper flakes if you crave more heat!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a microwave, adding a splash of water to keep them moist and flavorful.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure juicy meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture; this keeps them tender
- Use a scoop for even-sized balls, so they cook uniformly
- Always taste your sauce before pouring it over the meatballs; adjust seasoning as needed for perfect balance
Cooking these Sweet Chili Meatballs brings back fond memories of family gatherings where everyone raved about my culinary skills (or lack thereof) while desperately trying to grab seconds.
FAQ
Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Yes, frozen meatballs can be used; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
How long should I cook sweet chili meatballs in the crockpot?
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until tender.
What sides pair well with sweet chili meatballs?
Serve with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Sweet Chili Meatballs
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Sweet Chili Meatballs made in a crockpot are the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, offering tender, juicy bites that will delight your taste buds. With just a handful of simple ingredients, these meatballs simmer to perfection, filling your home with an irresistible aroma. Ideal for parties, family dinners, or cozy nights in, this crowd-pleaser is sure to impress everyone. Enjoy them as an appetizer or serve alongside rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup green onions (chopped)
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes until well mixed.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Pour half of the sweet chili sauce into the bottom of a crockpot.
- Arrange meatballs in the crockpot and drizzle remaining sweet chili sauce over them.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until meatballs are tender.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs (120g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
