🎉 Introduction
Looking for the easiest party appetizer or weeknight dinner? These Sweet Chili Meatballs are made right in the crockpot with just a handful of ingredients. Juicy meatballs simmer in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce made from grape jelly, pineapple, and sweet chili sauce. The result is sticky, flavorful, and totally irresistible!
This recipe is a lifesaver for busy days—you simply dump everything in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. Whether you’re serving them at game day, potlucks, or as a family dinner over rice, these crockpot meatballs are guaranteed to be a hit.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker (Crockpot)
- Measuring cups
- Large spoon or ladle
- Bowl for serving
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 (48 oz) bag fully cooked frozen meatballs (beef or chicken, homestyle style)
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple tidbits, drained
- 20 oz grape jelly
- 12 oz sweet red chili sauce
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Prep the crockpot
- Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray (optional, for easy cleanup).
Step 2: Add the meatballs
- Pour the frozen meatballs into the crockpot. No need to thaw.
Step 3: Make the sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together grape jelly, sweet chili sauce, and drained pineapple tidbits.
Step 4: Combine
- Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs in the crockpot.
- Stir to coat evenly.
Step 5: Cook
- Cover with the lid.
- Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, stirring once halfway through.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve meatballs warm as an appetizer with toothpicks, or as a main dish over rice or noodles.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 10–12 as an appetizer, 6 as a main dish
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (low) or 2 hours (high)
- Total Time: About 4 hours 5 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or in the crockpot on low until heated through.
🥄 Variations
- Spicy version – Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Tangy twist – Swap grape jelly for orange marmalade or apricot preserves.
- Hawaiian style – Add bell peppers and extra pineapple chunks.
- Asian-inspired – Use teriyaki sauce instead of chili sauce.
- Homemade meatballs – Make fresh chicken or beef meatballs if you prefer from-scratch cooking.
❓ 10 FAQs
- Do I need to thaw the meatballs first?
No, they cook straight from frozen. - Can I use turkey meatballs?
Yes, turkey works great for a leaner option. - What can I use instead of grape jelly?
Apricot jam, orange marmalade, or honey. - Is this dish very spicy?
No, it’s more sweet than spicy. Adjust heat by adding chili flakes if you want. - Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes, simmer everything in a large pot for 20–25 minutes. - Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough. - What sides go well with sweet chili meatballs?
Rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables. - How do I keep them warm for a party?
Leave them in the slow cooker on the warm setting. - Can I add veggies?
Yes, bell peppers, onions, or zucchini work well. - Can kids eat these?
Absolutely—they’re sweet and mild, not overly spicy.
🏁 Conclusion
These Sweet Chili Meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. With just four ingredients and minimal effort, you get a dish that’s perfect for entertaining or a quick family dinner. Juicy meatballs, tangy pineapple, and sticky-sweet chili sauce make this a recipe worth keeping on repeat. Just set it and forget it—the crockpot does all the work!
Sweet Chili Meatballs (Crockpot – Try It Today!)
Looking for the easiest party appetizer or weeknight dinner? These Sweet Chili Meatballs are made right in the crockpot with just a handful of ingredients. Juicy meatballs simmer in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce made from grape jelly, pineapple, and sweet chili sauce. The result is sticky, flavorful, and totally irresistible!
This recipe is a lifesaver for busy days—you simply dump everything in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. Whether you’re serving them at game day, potlucks, or as a family dinner over rice, these crockpot meatballs are guaranteed to be a hit.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1: Prep the crockpot
- Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray (optional, for easy cleanup).
Step 2: Add the meatballs
- Pour the frozen meatballs into the crockpot. No need to thaw.
Step 3: Make the sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together grape jelly, sweet chili sauce, and drained pineapple tidbits.
Step 4: Combine
- Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs in the crockpot.
- Stir to coat evenly.
Step 5: Cook
- Cover with the lid.
- Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, stirring once halfway through.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve meatballs warm as an appetizer with toothpicks, or as a main dish over rice or noodles.
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or in the crockpot on low until heated through.
🥄 Variations
Spicy version – Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Tangy twist – Swap grape jelly for orange marmalade or apricot preserves.
Hawaiian style – Add bell peppers and extra pineapple chunks.
Asian-inspired – Use teriyaki sauce instead of chili sauce.
Homemade meatballs – Make fresh chicken or beef meatballs if you prefer from-scratch cooking.
❓ 10 FAQs
Do I need to thaw the meatballs first?
No, they cook straight from frozen. Can I use turkey meatballs?
Yes, turkey works great for a leaner option. What can I use instead of grape jelly?
Apricot jam, orange marmalade, or honey. Is this dish very spicy?
No, it’s more sweet than spicy. Adjust heat by adding chili flakes if you want. Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes, simmer everything in a large pot for 20–25 minutes. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough. What sides go well with sweet chili meatballs?
Rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables. How do I keep them warm for a party?
Leave them in the slow cooker on the warm setting. Can I add veggies?
Yes, bell peppers, onions, or zucchini work well. Can kids eat these?
Absolutely—they’re sweet and mild, not overly spicy. 🏁 Conclusion
These Sweet Chili Meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. With just four ingredients and minimal effort, you get a dish that’s perfect for entertaining or a quick family dinner. Juicy meatballs, tangy pineapple, and sticky-sweet chili sauce make this a recipe worth keeping on repeat. Just set it and forget it—the crockpot does all the work!
No, they cook straight from frozen. Can I use turkey meatballs?
Yes, turkey works great for a leaner option. What can I use instead of grape jelly?
Apricot jam, orange marmalade, or honey. Is this dish very spicy?
No, it’s more sweet than spicy. Adjust heat by adding chili flakes if you want. Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes, simmer everything in a large pot for 20–25 minutes. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough. What sides go well with sweet chili meatballs?
Rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables. How do I keep them warm for a party?
Leave them in the slow cooker on the warm setting. Can I add veggies?
Yes, bell peppers, onions, or zucchini work well. Can kids eat these?
Absolutely—they’re sweet and mild, not overly spicy. 🏁 Conclusion
These Sweet Chili Meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. With just four ingredients and minimal effort, you get a dish that’s perfect for entertaining or a quick family dinner. Juicy meatballs, tangy pineapple, and sticky-sweet chili sauce make this a recipe worth keeping on repeat. Just set it and forget it—the crockpot does all the work!
