Whether you’re planning a game day spread, a holiday appetizer, or an easy weeknight dinner, these Sweet Chili Meatballs made in the crockpot are the answer. They’re tangy, slightly spicy, sweet, and ridiculously easy to throw together—just dump, stir, and let the slow cooker do the work!
Using frozen meatballs and a 2-ingredient sauce, this recipe is a total lifesaver when you’re short on time but want something crowd-pleasing and flavorful. Plus, it keeps warm beautifully for hours, making it the perfect party or potluck dish.
📝 Ingredients:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen fully-cooked meatballs (beef, turkey, or chicken)
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought)
- ½ cup grape jelly or apricot preserves (for extra sweetness and glaze)
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Red pepper flakes (for extra heat)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Combine the sauce:
In a bowl, mix the sweet chili sauce and grape jelly until smooth. This combo gives a sweet-and-spicy glaze that clings perfectly to the meatballs.
2. Add everything to the crockpot:
Place the frozen meatballs in your slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the top and stir gently to coat all the meatballs.
3. Cook low and slow:
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and glaze the meatballs as they cook.
4. Serve warm:
Serve directly from the crockpot to keep them warm for parties, or plate them up with toothpicks for easy finger food. They’re also amazing over rice or noodles for a simple dinner!
📝 Pro Tips:
- Swap grape jelly with apricot jam or orange marmalade for a citrusy twist.
- Want extra heat? Stir in a dash of sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes.