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Easy Sweet & Spicy Meatballs

Featured in Easy Party Snacks.

Threw these party meatballs in the crockpot before my sons game day party. Just dumped in frozen meatballs with sweet chili sauce grape jelly and pineapple. Let them cook while we watched football. Everyone kept going back for more and asking what was in the sauce. Made them a bit spicier the next time. Such an easy way to feed a bunch of hungry people. Best part is not having to watch them cook.
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Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Thu, 09 Jan 2025 18:11:23 GMT
A bowl of glossy, glazed meatballs garnished with parsley, served with sauce. Pin it
A bowl of glossy, glazed meatballs garnished with parsley, served with sauce. | lastminrecipes.com

Make tender meatballs in your slow cooker with sweet and spicy sauce. Perfect for parties or dinner at home.

Why Make These Meatballs

Uses just four items. Makes sweet and spicy taste. Good for parties or weekends. Slow cooker does the work. Use store meatballs or make your own.

Ingredients

  • Frozen Meatballs: Regular or turkey
  • Sweet Chili Sauce: Thai Kitchen works well
  • Grape Jelly: Makes it sweet
  • Pineapple: Drained bits

Instructions

Start:
Put frozen meatballs in pot. Pour chili sauce over them.
Add Sweet:
Put in grape jelly.
Add Fruit:
Mix in drained pineapple.
Stir:
Mix everything well.
Cook:
Cover. Cook high 1-2 hours or low 3-4 hours. Stir sometimes.
Serve:
Mix once more and serve hot.
A close-up image of a bowl filled with glossy, glazed meatballs garnished with chopped herbs. Pin it
A close-up image of a bowl filled with glossy, glazed meatballs garnished with chopped herbs. | lastminrecipes.com

Easy and Tasty

Slow cooker makes these meatballs simple. Sweet and spicy sauce tastes great. Smells good while cooking too.

Good For Parties

Fits any party or meal. People keep coming back for more. Everyone likes the taste.

Cooking Tips

Use frozen meatballs to save time. Mix sauce well. Let cook slow for best taste. Stir now and then to coat all meatballs.

Make Changes

Make your own meatballs if you want. Try turkey meatballs for lighter meal. Add more spice if you like heat.

Keeping Leftovers

Keeps in fridge 4 days. Can freeze for later. Heat in microwave or on stove until hot.

A bowl of savory meatballs coated in a glossy sauce, garnished with fresh parsley. Pin it
A bowl of savory meatballs coated in a glossy sauce, garnished with fresh parsley. | lastminrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use my own meatballs?
  • Make them small
  • Cook them first
  • Cool before adding
  • Same amount
  • Takes less time
  • Taste better
→ Need gluten-free?
  • Check meatball labels
  • Check sauce labels
  • Jelly is fine
  • Pineapple is fine
  • Most sweet chili sauce ok
  • Read everything
→ No grape jelly - what else?
  • Cranberry sauce
  • Apricot jam
  • Apple jelly
  • Same amount
  • Mix well
  • Taste and adjust
→ How to keep leftovers?
  • Container with lid
  • Good 3 days
  • Keep in fridge
  • Warm in microwave
  • Add splash of water
  • Stir while heating
→ Want them spicier?
  • Hot sauce
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Cayenne
  • Start small
  • Can't undo heat
  • Taste as you go

Conclusion

Try sweet chili pineapple chicken too, or make these with BBQ sauce or honey mustard instead.

Sweet & Spicy Meatballs

Quick party meatballs in the slow cooker

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
240 Minutes
Total Time
245 Minutes
By: Mina


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (48 meatballs)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 bag (48 oz) frozen meatballs.
02 1 bottle (12 oz) sweet chili sauce.
03 1 jar (20 oz) grape jelly.
04 1 can (20 oz) pineapple bits, drained.

Instructions

Step 01

Put frozen meatballs in crockpot. Add chili sauce.

Step 02

Pour in jelly.

Step 03

Add drained pineapple.

Step 04

Mix everything.

Step 05

Cook 1-2 hours on high or 3-4 on low. Stir before serving.

Notes

  1. Use plain meatballs, not Italian.
  2. Can make half batch.
  3. Stir now and then.
  4. Turkey meatballs work too.
  5. Can use homemade meatballs.
  6. Pineapple optional.
  7. Okay to freeze.

Tools You'll Need

  • Crockpot.
  • Spoon.
  • Measuring cups.
  • Can opener.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Meat.
  • Maybe gluten (check labels).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 484
  • Total Fat: 24 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 46 g
  • Protein: 20 g