Crock Pot Sweet Chili Meatballs

Juicy, saucy, and full of bold flavor, these Crock Pot Sweet Chili Meatballs are the kind of dish that makes any gathering better. The sauce turns thick and glossy, wrapping every tender meatball in that perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and savory. The smell alone is enough to make everyone wander into the kitchen waiting for a taste!

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Anyone else here obsessed with sticky, glossy sauces??

I can’t help it. I love that shiny, caramelized look. And when it clings to the meatballs just right? Perfection.

When my friends see me scraping the slow cooker for extra sauce, they always laugh and say, “You and your sweet chili addiction!”

I don’t care. I want more sauce. I need more sauce. Give me all the saucy meatballs!!! 😋

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These sweet chili meatballs are that ideal balance of simple, satisfying, and full of flavor.

Effortless to make: You only need a few pantry ingredients and your slow cooker does all the work.

Delicious flavor combo: The sweet chili sauce gives that perfect mix of heat and sweetness, making it impossible to stop at one.

Perfect for any occasion: Great for parties, potlucks, or lazy nights when you want something comforting without much effort.

Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare them in advance, and they taste even better the next day.

Freezer-friendly: Store extras for quick meals or snacks later on.

Family-approved: Even picky eaters can’t resist the glossy, sticky glaze.

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 2 pounds frozen fully cooked meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
  
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for homemade meatballs)
  
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (optional for extra flavor)
  

For the Sauce:

• 1 ½ cups Thai sweet chili sauce
  
• ½ cup ketchup
  
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  
• 1 tablespoon honey (for extra stickiness)
  
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
  

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped green onions
  
• Sesame seeds
  
• Fresh cilantro leaves
  

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the Sauce

Start by combining the sweet chili sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, honey, and chili flakes in a medium bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Taste and adjust the sweetness or spice level as you like.

2. Add to the Crock Pot

Place the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker and pour the sauce evenly over them. Use a spoon to gently toss and coat every meatball with that rich, tangy glaze.

3. Cook Until Perfect

Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for 1½–2 hours until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened beautifully. Stir occasionally so everything gets evenly coated.

4. Garnish and Serve

Once done, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top. They add a nice pop of color and crunch that finishes the dish perfectly.

Tips & Variations

• Make it spicier: Add sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes if you love a fiery kick.
• Go tropical: Stir in pineapple chunks during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a sweet, juicy twist.
• Homemade touch: Use fresh meatballs made from ground beef, turkey, or chicken instead of frozen. Just brown them lightly before adding to the slow cooker.
• Sticky glaze trick: Leave the lid slightly open for the last 15 minutes of cooking to let the sauce thicken more.
• Double batch idea: Make extra and freeze for quick weeknight dinners or unexpected guests.

Serving Suggestions

Crock Pot Sweet Chili Meatballs work for just about any setting. They’re perfect as appetizers with toothpicks for game nights, but they also make a full meal when served over steamed rice or noodles.

For parties, I like to keep them in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting so guests can help themselves throughout the evening. For dinner, I serve them with a side of sautéed vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad to balance out the sweetness of the sauce.

If I’m keeping things casual, I tuck them into soft slider buns with a bit of mayo and crunchy lettuce, they make amazing mini sandwiches that everyone loves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the crock pot so they don’t fall apart.

How spicy is this recipe?

The level of spice is mild with the standard sweet chili sauce, but you can adjust it easily by adding more chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and refrigerate the cooked meatballs for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the slow cooker or on the stove before serving.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

If you prefer a thicker glaze, remove the lid during the last 20 minutes of cooking or stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.

Can I freeze them?

Definitely. Once cooled, store in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat directly in the slow cooker or microwave until hot.

What sides go well with this dish?

Steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or simple noodles work beautifully. Even mashed potatoes make a cozy pairing if you’re after comfort food.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Sweet Chili Meatballs bring together everything I love about slow cooker meals,  they’re easy, flavorful, and always a hit. The mix of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors feels satisfying every single time.

What makes them special is how adaptable they are. You can serve them for parties, family dinners, or casual nights when you just want something warm and effortless. No matter how you enjoy them, these meatballs always deliver that perfect balance of comfort and flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.