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Crockpot Sweet Chili Meatballs

Elina James
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Meatballs (Homemade Option)
  • (You can skip this section if using frozen meatballs)
  • 1 lb ground beef (or pork/turkey)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • For the Sweet Chili Sauce Glaze
  • 1 cup Thai-style sweet chili sauce
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup honey (or brown sugar)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thicker sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs (if making homemade) : In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined — don’t overmix or the meatballs will be dense. Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until browned. (If using frozen meatballs, skip to Step 2.)
  • Step 2: Prepare the Sauce : In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Taste and adjust for sweetness or spice as desired.
  • Step 3: Add to the Slow Cooker ; Place the meatballs (homemade or frozen) into your slow cooker. Pour the sweet chili sauce mixture over the top, ensuring all meatballs are well coated. Gently toss or stir to mix.
  • Step 4: Cook : Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours or HIGH for 1½–2 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is thick and sticky. (If you want a thicker sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry during the last 15 minutes of cooking.)
  • Step 5: Garnish and Serve : Once done, sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.