These Crockpot Sweet Chili Meatballs have the most incredible sticky-sweet sauce. With just 5 ingredients and 5 minutes prep time, these are some seriously easy meatballs – and they taste amazing too!
I can’t decide if I like these sweet chili sauce meatballs better as an appetizer, lunch, or dinner, but what I do know is that no matter which way they’re served up, they’re absolutely delicious!
It’s all about the BBQ & sweet chili sauce for these meatballs. The combination of the two sauces creates pure magic in the slow cooker! The sauce is sticky, sweet, a little spicy, and keeps everyone coming back for more. I especially love this easy frozen meatball recipe served over rice, where I can spoon a bit of extra sauce over the top. So good!
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- 5 minutes prep! – This one’s SO easy to prepare. Just add the meatballs, onion, garlic, and sauce to the Crockpot and turn it on!
- Just a handful of ingredients – We’re talking 5 ingredients total. That’s it!
- Many serving options – Meal-prep these easy homemade meatballs and store in individual serving containers for quick heat-and-eat lunches. Serve for dinner on a busy weeknight. Or whip up a double batch to serve as appetizers to a crowd!
- Perfect for parties or game days – They really are so simple to pull together and the Crockpot keeps them warm until serving time. Plus, these easy homemade meatballs are a total crowd pleaser!
Recipe Notes
This Crockpot Sweet Chili Meatballs recipe is as simple as promised! Just 5 ingredients for a family friendly appetizer or meal.
In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use for how to make Crockpot Sweet Chili Meatballs to get the absolute best and most delicious results.
Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Frozen meatballs – For quick and easy meatballs, frozen meatballs are where it’s at! You’ll need 32 ounces of your favorite frozen meatballs. I like to use homestyle meatballs for this one.
- Red onion – To add flavor to both the meatballs and the sauce. I like to cut the onion into large pieces.
- BBQ sauce – You’ll need one cup of BBQ sauce. Grab your favorite brand at the store or make homemade BBQ sauce (it’s easy and delicious!)
- Sweet chili sauce – This thick red sauce is both sweet and spicy, perfect for easy homemade meatballs. Grab your favorite brand from the Asian condiments section at your local grocery store.
- Garlic – One tablespoon of minced garlic, which is about 3 medium cloves of garlic.
Make sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full quantities and ingredients list.
Recipe Variations
If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!
- Crockpot Sweet Chili Meatballs with Pineapple– Drain a can of pineapple chunks and add to the Crockpot with the onions for a sweet-and-sour twist.
- Crockpot Sweet Chili Meatballs with Veggies– Dice up some bell peppers and add them to the mix, then stir in some sliced zucchini in the last 30 minutes or so of cooking.
Recipe Step by Step
I am going to highlight a few key steps in the recipe here, but make sure to jump down to the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on how to make Crockpot Sweet Chili Meatballs.
Add the meatballs to the slow cooker.
Top with BBQ sauce and onions.
Add the sweet chili sauce and garlic. You can also mix the sauce ingredients together first to make sure it’s mixed well, then add the meatballs.
Cook on high for 2-3 hours, or on low for 3-4 hours, until the sauce is hot and bubbling and the meatballs are heated through.
Recipe Tips
- Utilize all your Crockpot’s settings – When serving this easy frozen meatball recipe at a party, switch your slow cooker to “warm” and it’ll keep them at the perfect temp for hours.
- Go with the garnish – I really like topping these sweet chili meatballs with sliced green onions right before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
Recipe Short Cuts
If you need to make this recipe, but are extra short on time, here are a few ideas that can help make this recipe even faster!
- Freeze ahead of time – For even shorter prep time, place all of the ingredients in a freezer bag and store until you’re ready to thaw and make your sweet chili meatballs. You can also freeze the after they’ve been cooked (see “Freezer Meal Instructions” for details).
- Buy pre-chopped onion & garlic – You can find already-cut onion and minced garlic in most well-stocked grocery stores, saving you chopping time.
Freezer Meal Instructions
Making this Crockpot Sweet Chili Meatballs recipe into a freezer meal is simple! Follow the steps below and you can store this recipe in the freezer for up to 6 months.
To freeze before cooking
- Add all ingredients to a zip-top freezer bag.
- Freeze.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Add to the Crockpot and cook as directed.
How to Freeze Crockpot Sweet Chili Meatballs After Cooking
- Place meatballs in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Label and place in the freezer.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Warm in the microwave or in the oven.
What to Serve with Crockpot Sweet Chili Meatballs
Since this protein based dinner has the delicious flavors of BBQ & sweet chili sauces, it will pair well with many of your favorite classic side dishes.
Choose one or several of these side dishes to create a wholesome, well-rounded dinner. There are both classic options and some healthy options to keep it light.
Side Dish Ideas
- Lemon Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice
- Broccoli Crunch Salad
- Sautéed Green Beans
- Perfect Oven-Roasted Vegetables
Crockpot Sweet Chili Meatballs Leftovers
If you have leftovers after making this recipe, then it is your lucky day! They save and reheat well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.
To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:
- in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- in the freezer up to a month
Leftover Recipes
Here are a few ways to repurpose those leftovers and give them a delicious makeover!
- Crockpot Sweet Chili Meatball Wraps– Line a tortilla with leftover meatballs and top with lettuce, red bell pepper strips, and snow peas. Drizzle with sweet chili sauce then roll up and devour!
- Crockpot Sweet Chili Meatball Sub– Smear yum yum sauce on a toasted bun and top with warm meatballs. Pile shredded carrots and cabbage plus some sliced scallions on top and serve.
Recipe FAQ’s
How long will meatballs take in the slow cooker?
It depends on if you are making fresh or frozen meatballs. Most frozen meatballs, like what you find in this recipe, are pre-cooked, so they just needed to be warmed thoroughly. If you’re starting with raw meatballs, I’d suggest around 4 hours, and use a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the largest one to ensure they’re cooked through. You’ll want it to read at least 155°F.
What foods go with sweet chili sauce?
Sweet chili sauce makes a great dipping sauce, such as for chicken tenders or French fries. It’s also wonderful drizzled on fried rice. It’s also magic when mixed with BBQ sauce, like in this easy meatball recipe!
More EASY Crockpot Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!
You can check out all of my easy Crockpot recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite recipes below.
- Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings
- Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs
- Crockpot Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
- Crockpot Steak Bites
Crockpot Sweet Chili Meatballs
Ingredients
- 32 ounces frozen meatballs, I used homestyle
- 1 red onion
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Instructions
- Add the BBQ sauce, sweet chili sauce, and garlic to the slow cooker. Mix to combine.
- Chop the onion into 1 inch pieces. Add the meatballs and onions to the crockpot. Stir them into the sauce.
- Cook on high for 2-3 hours, or low for 3-4 hours. Serve as an appetizers, or pair with rice or asian style noodles for an entree.
Recipe Notes
- chopped green onions
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