Description

Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot is a comforting and flavorful slow cooker dish that combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors effortlessly. Perfect for busy weeknights or parties, this recipe uses simple ingredients to create tender meatballs coated in a luscious sweet chili and soy sauce glaze. It’s versatile, freezer-friendly, and beloved by kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Mixture

1 lb ground beef or pork (or mix)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup onion, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce & Garnish

1 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 green onions, chopped
Optional: Fresh cilantro or toasted sesame seeds for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Meatball Mixture: Combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, onion, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Shape Your Meatballs: Scoop small portions of the mixture and roll into bite-sized meatballs, approximately one inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet or plate as you go.
Brown the Meatballs (Optional but Recommended): Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides until they develop a light crust, enhancing flavor. This step can be skipped if short on time.
Combine with Sweet Chili Sauce: Place the meatballs gently into the crockpot. Pour the sweet chili sauce and soy sauce over them, ensuring all meatballs are well coated.
Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The meatballs will become tender and absorb the rich sweet and spicy sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions, and if desired, fresh cilantro or toasted sesame seeds over the meatballs before serving for a fresh, colorful finish.

Notes

Don’t skip browning: It significantly boosts flavor even if it adds a few minutes.
Use a food scale to ensure meatballs are uniform size for even cooking.
Adjust sauce thickness by reducing sweet chili sauce and adding a cornstarch slurry toward the end.
Taste and adjust seasoning before cooking.
If using lean meat, add a tablespoon of oil or broth to keep meatballs moist.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Category: Appetizers
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 meatballs
Calories: 250
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 70mg