why make this recipe
This recipe is very easy and works for snacks, meals, or parties. You only use a few things and a crockpot does all the cooking. It makes sweet, tangy, and spicy meatballs that people like. If you like simple chili dishes, try this creamy seafood chili recipe for another quick meal idea.
introduction
This sweet chili meatballs crockpot recipe uses frozen meatballs, grape jelly, pineapple, and chili sauce. You mix the sauce, add the meatballs, and let the crockpot do the work. The result is sticky, sweet, and a little spicy meatballs that are ready in about four hours.
how to make Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot
- In a crockpot, combine the pineapple tidbits (with juice), grape jelly, and sweet red chili sauce. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the frozen meatballs to the sauce mixture, making sure they are well coated.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours or until meatballs are heated through.
- Serve warm, and enjoy!
If you want another easy comfort food, you can also try a simple chili cheese tater tot casserole.
Ingredients :
- 1 (20 ounce) can Pineapple tidbits, 20 oz
- Grape jelly, 12 oz
- Sweet Red chili sauce, 12 oz
- 1 (48 ounce) bag Homestyle meatballs, fully cooked frozen
Directions :
- In a crockpot, combine the pineapple tidbits (with juice), grape jelly, and sweet red chili sauce. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the frozen meatballs to the sauce mixture, making sure they are well coated.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours or until meatballs are heated through.
- Serve warm, and enjoy!
how to serve Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot
Serve the meatballs warm. They are good on their own as an appetizer. You can also serve them over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes to make a full meal. Use a slotted spoon so you get less sauce if you want less sweet.
how to store Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot
Cool the meatballs to room temperature. Put them in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot
- Stir the sauce before adding meatballs so the jelly melts evenly.
- Use fully cooked frozen meatballs to save time.
- If sauce is too thin, remove the lid near the end and cook on high 10–20 minutes to thicken.
- For less sweetness, reduce grape jelly a little or add a splash of soy sauce.
variation (if any)
- Add chopped bell peppers or onions for extra texture.
- Use sweet chili sauce with more heat if you like spicy.
- Swap pineapple tidbits for crushed pineapple for a smoother sauce.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh meatballs?
A: Yes. Brown and cook fresh meatballs first, then add to the sauce and finish in the crockpot until heated through.
Q: Can I make this on the stove?
A: Yes. Combine sauce and meatballs in a pot and simmer on low for 20–30 minutes until heated and sauce thickens.
Q: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A: Let the crockpot lid off for the last 15–20 minutes, or stir in a small slurry of cornstarch and water and cook until thick.
Q: Is this recipe freezer friendly?
A: Yes. Cool fully and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This sweet chili meatballs crockpot recipe is simple and reliable for parties or quick dinners. For another version of this idea, see this similar recipe on Sweet Chili Meatballs – The Yummy Muffin. If you want more crockpot party ideas, check this guide for a similar slow-cooked meatball recipe: Crockpot Sweet Chili Meatballs (Easy 5-Ingredient Party Appetizer).
Print
Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot
- Total Time: 250 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for sweet and spicy meatballs cooked in a crockpot, perfect as an appetizer or served over rice.
Ingredients
- 1 (20 ounce) can Pineapple tidbits, with juice
- 1 (12 ounce) jar Grape jelly
- 1 (12 ounce) bottle Sweet Red chili sauce
- 1 (48 ounce) bag Homestyle meatballs, fully cooked frozen
Instructions
- In a crockpot, combine the pineapple tidbits (with juice), grape jelly, and sweet red chili sauce. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the frozen meatballs to the sauce mixture, making sure they are well coated.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours or until meatballs are heated through.
- Serve warm, and enjoy!
Notes
For less sweetness, reduce grape jelly or add a splash of soy sauce. Stir the sauce before adding meatballs to ensure even mixing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: crockpot meatballs, sweet chili meatballs, easy appetizers, party food