Looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer? These Sweet Chili Meatballs are a must-make! With just four simple ingredients, they deliver bold, sweet-and-spicy flavor that keeps guests coming back for more. Whether you’re serving them as a finger food for a party or piling them over pasta for dinner, this slow cooker recipe is a total win.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 4 ingredients – Quick and budget-friendly.
- Crockpot-friendly – Hands-off and perfect for busy days.
- Big flavor, minimal effort – Sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of heat.
- Versatile – Serve them on their own, over rice or noodles, or tucked into a sandwich roll.
Ingredients
- 48 oz bag of fully cooked frozen Homestyle meatballs
- 12 oz bottle of sweet red chili sauce (we love Thai Kitchen)
- 20 oz jar of grape jelly
- 20 oz can of pineapple tidbits, drained
Instructions
- Add to Crockpot
Place the frozen meatballs in your slow cooker. Pour in the sweet chili sauce. - Mix in Sauce & Pineapple
Add the grape jelly and drained pineapple tidbits over the top. - Stir to Coat
Gently stir everything together until the meatballs are evenly coated in the sauce. - Cook
- High for 1–2 hours
- Low for 3–4 hours
Stir occasionally while cooking for even flavor distribution.
- Serve & Enjoy
Give the meatballs one final stir and serve hot—garnish with fresh parsley if desired!
Helpful Tips
- Use Homestyle Meatballs – Italian-seasoned meatballs can change the flavor.
- Easily Halved – Perfect for smaller crowds. Use a 5–6 qt slow cooker for best results.
- Make it lighter – Swap in turkey meatballs for a leaner option.
- Adjust the heat – Add sriracha or red pepper flakes for more spice, or tone it down with a touch of honey or brown sugar.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked frozen meatballs is the key to how quick and easy this recipe is.
How spicy is it?
The sweet chili sauce has a gentle kick, but it’s mostly sweet. To make it hotter, stir in extra chili sauce, sriracha, or crushed red pepper. Want it milder? Mix the chili sauce with honey or brown sugar.
Serving Ideas
- As an appetizer for parties, game day, or potlucks
- Over white rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a quick weeknight dinner
- In hoagie rolls as spicy-sweet meatball subs
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 21g
- Cholesterol: 89mg
- Sodium: 459mg
These Sweet Chili Meatballs are one of those recipes you’ll keep in your back pocket for when you need something quick, delicious, and guaranteed to impress. I hope they become a go-to in your kitchen just like they are in mine!