Sweet Chili Meatballs
Juicy meatballs slow-cooked in a sticky sweet chili sauce made with Asian flavors like garlic, soy, and a hint of honey. This dump-and-go crockpot recipe is crowd-pleasing, minimal effort, and perfect as an appetizer or over rice for dinner.
Time:
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 2–3 hours on HIGH or 4–6 hours on LOW
Total: ~3–6 hours
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients:
For the crockpot:
1 bag (24–32 oz) frozen fully-cooked meatballs (beef, turkey, or chicken)
(or use homemade cooked meatballs)
For the sauce:
1 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
Optional: 1 tsp Sriracha or hot sauce (for heat)
Instructions:
Add meatballs to crockpot:
Place frozen (or cooked) meatballs directly into the crockpot.
Make the sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and optional sriracha.
Pour & stir:
Pour sauce over the meatballs and gently stir to coat evenly.
Cook:
On HIGH for 2–3 hours
Or LOW for 4–6 hours
Stir halfway through if possible.
Serve:
Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds. Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks or over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a full meal.
Tips & Notes:
Homemade meatballs: If making your own, brown them first to help them hold their shape.
Make it spicier: Add more sriracha or chili flakes.
Thicker sauce: Simmer extra sauce on the stove for 5 mins or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) if needed.
Serving Suggestions:
Over jasmine rice or cauliflower rice
With toothpicks as party appetizers
In lettuce wraps or slider buns
With stir-fried veggies or noodles
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use homemade meatballs?
Yes! Just make sure they’re pre-cooked before adding to the slow cooker.
Q: Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes — you can mix the sauce and freeze with the meatballs in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight before cooking in the crockpot.
Q: Can I make this without a crockpot?
Absolutely — simmer meatballs and sauce in a covered pan on low for 20–30 minutes until heated through.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 280
Protein: 14g
Carbs: 22g
Fat: 16g
Sugar: 15g