Sweet Chili Meatballs in a crockpot are a delicious and easy dish that everyone will love. The meatballs are tender and flavorful, all wrapped up in a sweet and spicy sauce. This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy days or gatherings.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is great for many reasons. Firstly, it is easy to prepare; simply mix the ingredients, put them in the crockpot, and let it do the work. Secondly, the combination of sweet and spicy flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, a party, or a game day snack, these meatballs are sure to impress!

How to Make Sweet Chili Meatballs

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
½ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

For the Sweet Chili Sauce:

1 cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sriracha or hot sauce (optional for a little heat)
1 tbsp sesame oil (optional, for added flavor)

Directions:

Prepare the meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, then form the mixture into 1–1.5-inch meatballs. You should get about 20 meatballs.
Cook the meatballs: You can either brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat for about 5–6 minutes (to give them a crispy outside), or if you’re short on time, skip the browning and just add raw meatballs directly to the crockpot. If browning, set the meatballs aside after cooking.
Make the sweet chili sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, and sesame oil (if using).
Slow cook: Add the meatballs to the crockpot and pour the sauce over them. Toss gently to coat the meatballs in the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or on high for 1–2 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
Serve: Serve the sweet chili meatballs with a side of steamed rice, over noodles, or as a tasty appetizer with toothpicks. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor.

How to Serve Sweet Chili Meatballs

Sweet Chili Meatballs can be served in many ways. For a full meal, pair them with steamed rice or serve them over noodles. You can also offer them as appetizers at parties or gatherings. Just provide toothpicks for easy serving!

How to Store Sweet Chili Meatballs

To store leftover Sweet Chili Meatballs, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store them longer, freeze the meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Tips to Make Sweet Chili Meatballs

Make sure to mix the meatball ingredients well to ensure they hold together.
If you like extra heat, add more sriracha to the sauce or use spicy chili sauce.
Experiment with different meats like chicken or pork for varying flavors.
For a healthier option, bake the meatballs in the oven instead of browning them on a skillet.

Variation

You can make these meatballs with different types of meat or even go for a vegetarian option using plant-based meat. Adjusting the ingredients in the sauce can also create unique flavors—try adding pineapple juice for a fruity twist!