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Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot Recipe

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 1x
  • Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Description

Sweet Chili Meatballs are a perfect combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. This crockpot recipe is easy to make and ideal for parties, potlucks, or a comforting dinner. Serve as an appetizer or over rice for a complete meal.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 lbs (900 g) frozen meatballs (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sweet chili sauce
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) ketchup
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
  • Chopped green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the sauce

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 2: Add to crockpot

  1. Place the frozen meatballs in the crockpot.
  2. Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well coated.

Step 3: Cook the meatballs

  1. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to coat the meatballs evenly.

Step 4: Thicken the sauce (optional)

  1. If you prefer a thicker sauce, 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cornstarch-water mixture. Let the sauce simmer and thicken while still covered.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

  1. Before serving, garnish the meatballs with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
  2. Serve warm as an appetizer with toothpicks or over rice for a main dish.

Notes

  • Make-ahead option: Combine the sauce ingredients and refrigerate up to 2 days in advance. Add to the crockpot with the meatballs when ready to cook.
  • Homemade meatballs: For homemade meatballs, pre-cook them before adding to the crockpot.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the crockpot or microwave.