Sweet Chili Meatballs cooked low and slow in the crockpot make for a fantastic, hands-off meal. These meatballs are tender and juicy, coated in a sticky sauce that has just the right balance of sweetness and a little kick of chili heat. It’s a simple dish that feels special but doesn’t require you to stand over the stove.
I love how easy this recipe is to throw together before heading out for the day, then coming home to the wonderful smell of meatballs and sweet chili sauce filling the house. The crockpot does all the work for you, and the sauce thickens beautifully as it simmers, making the meatballs extra flavorful. I usually double the batch because they disappear fast!
These meatballs are great served over rice for a quick dinner, or tucked into slider buns for a fun party snack. I also like to garnish them with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a little extra color and crunch. They’re perfect for busy nights or casual get-togethers where you want something tasty and fuss-free.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground meat: I like using a mix of beef and pork for juiciness and flavor, but all beef or ground turkey works well too. Just keep an eye on moisture content, as leaner meats can dry out.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs and keep them tender. If you’re gluten-free, try crushed gluten-free crackers or oats as a substitute.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a bit of sharpness and umami. If you don’t have Parmesan, a bit of grated cheddar or omit it altogether; just add an extra pinch of salt.
Sweet chili sauce: This is the star for flavor. You can buy it ready-made or make a simple one with chili paste, honey, and vinegar. Adjust the heat by adding or reducing chili flakes.
Soy sauce & rice vinegar: These add depth and balance the sweetness. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
How Do I Make Sure My Meatballs Stay Tender and Don’t Fall Apart?
Mix the ingredients gently to combine—over-mixing can make meatballs tough. Use breadcrumbs and an egg as binders to hold them together.
- Don’t skip browning the meatballs in a skillet first—it helps seal in juices and gives a nice crust.
- Handle meatballs carefully when transferring to the crockpot to avoid breaking.
- Set crockpot to low and cook gently; long slow cooking keeps them tender.
- If sauce seems thin near the end, you can thicken it by mixing a teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and stirring it in, then cooking for a few more minutes.
These tips help ensure your meatballs come out soft, flavorful, and perfectly saucy every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot or slow cooker – It gently cooks the meatballs and sauce all day without any fuss.
- Large mixing bowl – Perfect for combining the meatball ingredients evenly without a mess.
- Large skillet – Needed to brown the meatballs first, which locks in flavor and texture.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – Helps you transfer meatballs to and from the skillet and crockpot without breaking them.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To keep your sauce and seasoning ratios just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter meatball that still tastes great with sweet chili sauce.
- Add finely chopped bell peppers or water chestnuts to the meat mix for extra crunch.
- Mix in fresh ginger and chopped green onions to the sauce for a zingy twist.
- Top with toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts just before serving for added texture and nutty flavor.
Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp crushed red chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 20 minutes to prepare, including mixing and browning the meatballs. After that, it cooks in the crockpot for 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high. So, in total, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in around 4 to 6 hours, mostly hands-off!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix and Shape Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, minced garlic, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined – this keeps the meatballs tender. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a plate or tray.
2. Brown the Meatballs
Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, cooking about 2 minutes per side. They don’t need to cook all the way through here, just get a nice crust. This step locks in the juices and adds flavor.
3. Prepare the Sweet Chili Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili flakes if you want some heat, and sesame oil if you have it. This sauce will coat the meatballs in the crockpot.
4. Slow Cook
Place the browned meatballs in the crockpot and pour the sauce evenly over them. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened nicely. Halfway through, gently stir if you want the sauce to coat the meatballs all around.
5. Serve and Garnish
When ready, serve the meatballs hot. Sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. They’re perfect on their own, over steamed rice, noodles, or tucked into slider buns for a tasty appetizer.
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs in the Crockpot?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs! Just add extra cooking time—typically about 1 to 2 hours longer on low—to ensure they’re heated through and the sauce thickens nicely.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers and substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
Is It Okay to Skip Browning the Meatballs?
While you can skip browning to save time, you’ll miss out on some flavor and texture. Browning helps seal in juices and creates a delicious crust, so I recommend doing it if possible.
