Description
These sweet chili meatballs are a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing party appetizer made in the crockpot. Juicy meatballs simmer in a sticky, tangy sweet chili sauce—perfect for entertaining or easy family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds frozen fully-cooked meatballs (beef, pork, turkey, chicken, or plant-based)
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
- Sliced green onions (optional garnish)
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Add frozen meatballs directly to the crockpot (no need to thaw). If using homemade meatballs, bake or pan-fry first, then add to the crockpot.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs in the crockpot. Toss gently to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2 hours, stirring once halfway through.
- Switch the crockpot to ‘warm’ once meatballs are ready. Top with cilantro, green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
For gluten-free, use gluten-free meatballs and tamari. Plant-based meatballs work well for vegetarians. Double the sauce for extra juiciness. Add pineapple chunks or bell peppers for a tropical twist. Keep on ‘warm’ for parties; leftovers store well in fridge or freezer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 5 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 620
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 13
Keywords: sweet chili meatballs, crockpot meatballs, party appetizer, slow cooker, easy entertaining, Asian meatballs, game day snacks, finger food, gluten-free option, vegetarian option