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Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot

Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot

This Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot recipe combines tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a sweet, spicy, and savory chili sauce. Perfect for easy dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, it offers bold flavors developed slowly in the slow cooker with minimal effort required.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, chicken, or turkey)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs/almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sweet Chili Sauce

  • 1 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (use reduced-sodium for low-sodium option)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped green onions, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated without overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
  2. Shape the Meatballs: Use your hands or a small ice cream scoop to form the mixture into bite-sized meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a tray or plate ready for cooking.
  3. Make the Sweet Chili Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, grated ginger, and minced garlic until the sugar dissolves and flavors meld.
  4. Assemble in the Crockpot: Place the meatballs gently into the crockpot, then pour the sauce evenly over them, ensuring all meatballs are well-coated. Shake the crockpot gently if needed to distribute the sauce.
  5. Slow Cook and Serve: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the meatballs are cooked through and tender. Serve immediately or store for later.

Notes

  • For added flavor, brown meatballs in a skillet before placing them in the crockpot (optional).
  • Keep meatballs uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
  • If sauce appears too thin near the end, remove lid and cook on high for 15-30 minutes to thicken.
  • Use fresh garlic and ginger for best taste; avoid powders.
  • Mix meat gently to avoid tough meatballs.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet chili meatballs, crockpot meatballs, slow cooker, party appetizers, meal prep, spicy sweet savory