Sweet Chili Meatballs made in the crockpot is such an easy and tasty meal to have ready when you come home after a busy day. Picture tender meatballs simmering in a sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy chili sauce that just makes your mouth water. The sauce has that perfect balance of sweet and heat that brings the meatballs to life without being too fiery.
I love that this recipe lets the crockpot do all the work while I’m out and about. When I get back, the house smells amazing, and dinner is perfectly cooked and ready to go. I usually use frozen meatballs to make things even simpler, and the slow cooker really gives that sauce time to soak in and get rich and flavorful.
My favorite way to serve these meatballs is over a bed of rice or noodles, so the sauce has something to soak into. They also make a great party snack—just grab a toothpick and enjoy! Whenever I bring these to a get-together, everyone asks me for the recipe, which always makes me smile. They’re comforting, fun, and a little bit addictive in the best way.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Meatballs: Using frozen meatballs saves time and works well here. You can pick beef, pork, or turkey depending on what you like or have on hand. For a vegetarian option, try plant-based meatballs.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This is the star ingredient, giving both sweetness and spice. If you can’t find it, mix honey or brown sugar with a little hot sauce as a quick substitute.
Hoisin Sauce: It adds depth and a little tang. If you don’t have hoisin, try a mix of soy sauce and a touch of honey or molasses to mimic the flavor.
Soy Sauce: Brings saltiness and umami. Use tamari or coconut aminos if you want gluten-free or lower sodium options.
How Do You Get the Sauce Just Right and Meatballs Perfectly Tender in the Crockpot?
Slow cooking is great, but you want to keep an eye on the texture of both the meatballs and the sauce.
- Use frozen meatballs straight in the crockpot so they cook evenly without falling apart.
- Mix all your sauce ingredients well before adding for balanced flavor.
- Cook on low for a few hours—it lets flavors meld and prevents drying out.
- Stir gently at the end to coat meatballs without breaking them.
- If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid near the end and cook for 20-30 mins to thicken.
That’s it! This gentle slow cooking makes the meatballs tender and the sauce sticky and flavorful.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot or slow cooker – it’s perfect for hands-off cooking and keeps meatballs tender.
- Mixing bowl – to whisk together your sauce ingredients easily.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate sauce measurements and balanced flavor.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – to gently stir the meatballs without breaking them.
- Serving dish or platter – handy for presenting meatballs as appetizers or over rice.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap frozen beef meatballs with chicken or turkey for a lighter option that still stays juicy.
- Add diced pineapple or mandarin oranges to the sauce for a fresh, sweet twist.
- Stir in chopped fresh cilantro or green onions at the end for extra color and brightness.
- If you like more heat, toss in sliced fresh chili or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Meatballs:
- 2 pounds frozen meatballs (beef, pork, or turkey)
For The Sauce:
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce
- ½ cup hoisin sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 4 to 6 hours to cook on low in the crockpot (or 2 to 3 hours on high). The slow cooking lets the meatballs soak up all the sweet and tangy sauce flavors perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix The Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey (if you’re using it), vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. This will be your flavorful sweet and spicy sauce.
2. Add Meatballs And Sauce To Crockpot:
Place the frozen meatballs into your crockpot. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs, then gently stir to make sure all meatballs get coated with the sauce.
3. Cook Slowly:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, cook on high for 2 to 3 hours. The meatballs will warm through and the sauce will thicken to a delicious glaze.
4. Serve And Enjoy:
Give the meatballs a gentle stir to coat them again with the luscious sauce before serving. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if you like. Serve your sweet chili meatballs over rice, noodles, or just as finger food with toothpicks. Yum!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot or slow cooker for easy, hands-off cooking.
- Mixing bowl to mix the sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredients.
- Spoon or spatula to gently stir without breaking the meatballs.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try chicken or turkey meatballs for a lighter flavor.
- Add diced pineapple or mandarins for a fresh, fruity twist.
- Mix in chopped cilantro or green onions at the end for extra freshness.
- If you like it spicy, add sliced fresh chili or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
Can I Use Fresh Meatballs Instead of Frozen?
Yes! Just brown the fresh meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot to help them hold together and develop flavor.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! Add extra red pepper flakes, fresh sliced chili, or a splash of sriracha to the sauce before slow cooking to ramp up the heat.
What’s the Best Way to Thicken the Sauce?
If your sauce is too thin after cooking, remove the lid and cook on high for 20-30 minutes to reduce and thicken it up nicely.
