Description

These Sweet Chili Meatballs made in the crockpot are a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer or main dish. Ground beef or pork meatballs are gently mixed with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, and onion, then slow-cooked in a sweet chili and soy sauce blend until tender and juicy. The optional browning step adds a rich crust for extra flavor. Garnished with green onions and optional cilantro or toasted sesame seeds, these meatballs offer a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors made effortlessly in a slow cooker.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

1 lb ground beef or pork (or mix)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup onion, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce and Garnish

1 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 green onions, chopped
Optional: Fresh cilantro or toasted sesame seeds for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Meatball Mixture: Combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, onion, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Shape Your Meatballs: Scoop small portions of the mixture and roll into bite-sized meatballs, approximately one inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet or plate as you go.
Brown the Meatballs (Optional but Recommended): Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides until they develop a light crust, enhancing flavor. This step can be skipped if short on time.
Combine with Sweet Chili Sauce: Place the meatballs gently into the crockpot. Pour the sweet chili sauce and soy sauce over them, ensuring all meatballs are well coated.
Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The meatballs will become tender and absorb the rich sweet and spicy sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions, and if desired, fresh cilantro or toasted sesame seeds over the meatballs before serving for a fresh, colorful finish.

Notes

Browning the meatballs before slow cooking adds extra flavor but can be skipped to save time.
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
Adjust soy sauce quantity based on your sodium preference.
These meatballs are great served over steamed rice or noodles or as party appetizers.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours (slow cooker on low) or 2-3 hours (on high)
Category: Appetizer
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Asian Fusion