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Hey there, meatball lovers! If you’re looking for an easy and flavorful dish that practically cooks itself, you’re going to love these Sweet Chili Meatballs made in the crockpot. These tender, juicy meatballs are glazed with a deliciously sweet and spicy chili sauce, making them perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy family dinner. Let’s get started on this tasty recipe!
Nutritional Benefits
These Sweet Chili Meatballs are not just delicious but also come with some nutritional benefits. Made with lean ground meat—like turkey or chicken—they provide a great source of protein. By adding ingredients like garlic and ginger to the sauce, you’ll also be boosting antioxidants and flavor. Serve them with veggies for a well-rounded meal!
Customization Options
The versatility of this recipe allows you to make it your own! Here are some ideas to tailor it to your taste:
- Meat Options: Feel free to use ground beef, chicken, turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives!
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the sweetness of the chili sauce by adding more or less sugar or sugar substitutes. You can also add a splash of soy sauce for an umami boost!
- Spicy Kick: If you like more heat, incorporate additional chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to intensify the flavor!
Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground meat (beef, turkey, chicken, or plant-based)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or almond flour for low-carb)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce (sugar-free if desired)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a plate or baking sheet.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the sweet chili sauce and soy sauce. Reserve a small amount of sauce for serving.
- Place the meatballs in the crockpot and pour the remaining sweet chili sauce over the top, making sure the meatballs are well-coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
- Once cooked, stir gently to coat the meatballs in the sauce. Serve warm, garnished with chopped green onions and with reserved sauce on the side!
Tips for Success
- To ensure juicy meatballs, don’t overmix the meat mixture when forming them.
- Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, making them great for meal prep!
- These meatballs are delicious on their own, but they also work wonderfully served over rice or noodles!
Let’s Dig In!
Have you tried making these Sweet Chili Meatballs in the crockpot? I can’t wait to hear how they turned out and any fun variations you added! Share your experiences and connect with me for more delicious recipes. Enjoy your tasty creation!