Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot Recipe
Introduction
These sweet chili meatballs are a perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, made effortlessly in your crockpot. Ideal for parties or a simple weeknight treat, they require minimal prep with maximum taste.
Ingredients
- 48-ounce bag of fully cooked frozen homestyle meatballs
- 12 ounces sweet red chili sauce (we use Thai Kitchen)
- 20 ounces grape jelly
- 20-ounce can of pineapple tidbits (drained)
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the frozen meatballs in your crockpot and add the sweet red chili sauce.
- Step 2: Add in the grape jelly and drained pineapple tidbits.
- Step 3: Stir everything together to coat the meatballs evenly.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on high for 1-2 hours or on low for 3-4 hours. Uncover and stir again before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra spice, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture before cooking.
- You can substitute cranberry jelly if grape jelly isn’t available; it adds a nice tartness.
- Serve over rice or toothpicks for easy party appetizers.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, homemade meatballs work well. Just be sure they are fully cooked before adding to the crockpot and adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe without a crockpot?
You can simmer the ingredients in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally for 30-40 minutes until warmed and well combined.
PrintSweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot Recipe
This Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot recipe combines the tangy sweetness of grape jelly and pineapple with spicy sweet red chili sauce, creating a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer or meal. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, these meatballs cook slowly in a crockpot, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully while keeping the meatballs tender and juicy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1-2 hours (high) or 3-4 hours (low)
- Total Time: 6 minutes prep + 1-2 hours cook time
- Yield: Approximately 48 meatballs (serves 6–8 people) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 48-ounce bag of fully cooked frozen Homestyle Meatballs
Sauce
- 12 ounces Sweet red chili sauce (such as Thai Kitchen)
- 20 ounces Grape jelly
- 20-ounce can of Pineapple tidbits, drained
Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs in your crockpot, spreading them out to ensure even cooking and easy mixing.
- Add sweet red chili sauce: Pour the 12 ounces of sweet red chili sauce over the meatballs to infuse them with a balanced, mildly spicy flavor.
- Mix in grape jelly and pineapple: Add the grape jelly and the drained pineapple tidbits into the crockpot. These ingredients add sweetness and tropical notes that complement the chili sauce beautifully.
- Combine ingredients: Stir all the ingredients thoroughly to coat the meatballs evenly with the sauce mixture, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Cook the meatballs: Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 1-2 hours or on low for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and the meatballs to heat through completely.
- Final stir and serve: Before serving, uncover and stir the meatballs again to redistribute the sauce. Serve warm as a delicious appetizer or main dish.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a few red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the crockpot mixture before cooking.
- These meatballs can be kept warm on the low setting for up to 2 hours before serving without drying out.
- Great served with toothpicks as party appetizers or over rice or noodles for a full meal.
- Make sure to use fully cooked frozen meatballs to ensure safety and save cooking time.
Keywords: sweet chili meatballs, crockpot meatballs, party appetizers, slow cooker recipes, sweet and spicy meatballs
