Sweet chilli meatballs crockpot recipe might just be your new secret weapon for everything from weekday dinners to party appetisers. And let me tell you—when I stumbled upon this sweet and spicy combo, it was love at first bite. The best part? Your slow cooker does all the work while you do literally anything else (like finally finishing that laundry pile or scrolling Pinterest in peace).
Imagine coming home to the smell of tender, flavorful meatballs coated in a sticky, sweet red chili glaze with hints of pineapple. It’s comfort food with a zesty twist—perfect for busy moms, party hosts, or anyone who just wants a stress-free dinner option.
Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting game night, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s versatile, satisfying, and oh-so-easy.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Chilli Meatball Crockpot Recipe
- Set-it-and-forget-it ease thanks to your trusty slow cooker
- A mouthwatering balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors
- Crowd-pleasing as a party appetizer or weeknight dinner
- Uses just a few pantry-friendly ingredients
Ingredients
- 48 oz (1.36 kg) bag fully cooked frozen homestyle meatballs
- 12 oz (355 ml) sweet red chili sauce (e.g., Thai Kitchen)
- 20 oz (565 g) grape jelly
- 20 oz (565 g) canned pineapple tidbits, drained
Steps
- Toss those frozen meatballs straight into your crockpot—no need to thaw!
- Pour in that sweet red chili sauce. Don’t worry, it’ll thin out beautifully as it heats.
- Spoon in the grape jelly and sprinkle those juicy pineapple tidbits on top.
- Stir everything together so the meatballs get nicely coated.
- Cover and cook:
- High: 1–2 hours
- Low: 3–4 hours
- Give it one last stir before serving to re-coat everything in that luscious sauce.
- Serve warm—tongs or spoons both do the trick. Optional: a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a little flair.
Tips for Crockpot Sweet and Spicy Meatballs
- No thawing required! Straight-from-the-freezer meatballs work like a charm.
- Worried it’s too sweet? Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice to cut through the sugar.
- Want more heat? Toss in a few red pepper flakes or a squirt of Sriracha.
- Hosting a party? Keep the crockpot on warm and let guests help themselves—instant party win.
- Leftovers? These reheat beautifully in the microwave or stovetop.
My Go-To for Family Nights & Parties
This sweet chilli meatball crockpot recipe has made more appearances in my home than I can count. The first time I served it was for a family movie night. I set out a bowl and before the previews were done, it was gone. The kids? Obsessed. My husband? Went back for thirds. And me? I just revelled in how easy it was.
It’s now our go-to when I need something dependable and delicious—especially for potlucks or spontaneous get-togethers. There’s something magical about seeing people light up over food that took less than 10 minutes to prep.
What to Serve with Sweet Chili Meatballs
- Steamed white rice or jasmine rice – perfect for soaking up the sauce
- Crispy egg rolls or spring rolls – great for texture contrast
- Simple green salad – something fresh to balance the richness
- Dinner rolls or Hawaiian buns – for making mini meatball sliders
- Roasted broccoli or green beans – because greens deserve a spot too
Mix and match based on your mood (or what’s already in the fridge).
How to Store and Reheat
Leftovers? Yes, please! Here’s how to keep them tasty:
- Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to label it!
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Or microwave in 1-minute bursts, covered with a damp paper towel to keep things moist.
Tip: Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs?
Absolutely! Just be sure to pre-cook them first so they hold up during slow cooking.
Can I make these meatballs spicier?
Yep! Add chili flakes, hot sauce, or even diced jalapeños for a kick.
Can I skip the pineapple?
Sure, though it adds a nice tangy contrast. Try a splash of orange juice as a substitute.
Are these good for meal prep?
Definitely. Portion them into containers with rice or veggies for easy grab-and-go meals.
Is grape jelly really necessary?
It might sound odd, but grape jelly adds a deep, sweet richness that balances the heat. Trust me—it works.
This sweet chilli meatball crockpot recipe is a total game-changer for anyone juggling a busy life but still wanting to feed their family something truly satisfying. Whether you’re serving it up for a casual dinner or your next party, these slow cooker meatballs will earn rave reviews. Give them a try—you just might find yourself making them again next week.
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Sweet Chilli Meatballs Crockpot Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings (approx.) 1x
Description
This Sweet Chilli Meatballs Crockpot Recipe is your new go-to for effortless dinners and party appetisers. With just four simple ingredients—frozen meatballs, sweet chilli sauce, grape jelly, and pineapple—it simmers into a sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze that’s irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this slow cooker favourite guarantees big flavour with minimal effort.
Ingredients
-
48 oz (1.36 kg) frozen fully cooked homestyle meatballs
-
12 oz (355 ml) sweet red chili sauce
-
20 oz (565 g) grape jelly
-
20 oz (565 g) canned pineapple tidbits, drained
Instructions
-
Add frozen meatballs to the crockpot—no thawing needed.
-
Pour in sweet chili sauce.
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Add grape jelly and drained pineapple tidbits.
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Stir well to coat the meatballs evenly.
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Cover and cook:
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High for 1–2 hours
-
Low for 3–4 hours
-
-
Stir again before serving to re-coat with sauce.
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Serve warm. Optional: garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for more heat.
For a tangy twist, stir in a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice.
Skip pineapple if needed—sub with orange juice for a citrus touch.
Great for meal prep—pairs well with rice, veggies, or slider buns.
Reheat gently with a splash of broth if sauce thickens.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours (average slow setting)
- Category: Plats
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired / Fusion