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- 1 lb ground beef (or a blend of beef and pork) - 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions (reserve some for garnishing) - 1 large egg, lightly beaten - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper - 1 cup sweet chili sauce - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust for spice preference) - Toasted sesame seeds for garnishing You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you need a gluten-free recipe, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. No Parmesan? Try Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan touch. For a milder flavor, reduce the sriracha or skip it entirely. You can also add chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley for freshness. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh breadcrumbs add better texture and taste. Fresh garlic gives a strong flavor that dried garlic can’t match. Green onions add a nice crunch and brightness. When you use fresh ingredients, you get a more vibrant dish. It is worth the extra effort to find quality items. They enhance the overall taste and enjoyment of your sweet chili crockpot meatballs. Start by gathering your ingredients. You need ground beef, fresh breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and green onions. You also need a large egg, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. In a big bowl, mix the ground beef with the breadcrumbs, cheese, green onions, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to combine everything. Mix until just combined; don’t overmix. Overmixing makes tough meatballs. Now, it’s time to shape the meatballs. Take small amounts of the mixture and roll them into balls about one inch wide. This size helps them cook evenly. You should make 20 to 24 meatballs, depending on how large you want them. Put them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper to keep them from sticking. Next, you need to make the sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha. Taste the sauce and adjust it if you want more spice. Prepare your crockpot by lightly spraying the bottom with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil. Place the meatballs in the crockpot. Pour the sauce over them. Make sure each meatball gets coated. Cover the crockpot. Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The meatballs are done when they are cooked through and tender. Once cooked, carefully remove the meatballs using a slotted spoon. Place them on a serving platter. Drizzle extra sauce over them for more flavor. Before serving, sprinkle on some toasted sesame seeds and reserved green onions for extra color and taste. To make sure your meatballs stay tender, mix the meat gently. If you overmix, they may turn tough. I like to combine ground beef and pork for more flavor. This mix adds zest and keeps the meatballs juicy. Aim for small balls, about one inch wide. This size helps them cook evenly. The sauce makes these meatballs shine. Mix sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha in a bowl. Taste the sauce before pouring it over the meatballs. Adjust the sriracha to fit your spice level. A little more sriracha brings a nice kick! Drizzle extra sauce over the meatballs when serving for added flavor. These meatballs are great as an appetizer or a meal. Serve them warm, with rice or noodles. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce well. You can also garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color. Pair with a fresh salad for a complete meal. These tips will help you impress your guests! {{image_4}} You can swap ground beef for other meats. Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a richer flavor, use a mix of beef and pork. Each meat brings its unique taste. This allows you to find the perfect match for your family. If you prefer a plant-based dish, use lentils or chickpeas. You can mash them and mix with breadcrumbs and spices. Add finely chopped veggies for more texture. Use a vegan sweet chili sauce to keep it plant-friendly. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal together. Adjust the heat with sriracha in the sauce. Add more for a fiery kick or less for mild flavor. Taste the sauce before pouring it over the meatballs. You can also add red pepper flakes for extra spice. Customize it to fit your taste buds. Keep experimenting until you find the right balance. After you enjoy your sweet chili meatballs, store any leftovers in a safe way. First, let the meatballs cool down to room temperature. Next, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save them longer, consider freezing. Freezing meatballs is easy and great for meal prep. To freeze, first arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet. Make sure they are not touching each other. Place the sheet in the freezer for about an hour. This helps them freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat the meatballs, reheating is simple. For the best flavor, heat them on the stove or in the oven. If using the stove, place the meatballs in a skillet with a splash of sauce. Heat on medium until warm. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F. Place the meatballs in a baking dish with some sauce. Cover with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use the microwave for a quick option. Just place them in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat in short bursts until warm. Enjoy your delicious meatballs again! Yes, you can bake these meatballs in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F. After forming the meatballs, place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. Make sure they are cooked through and browned. Oven cooking gives a nice crisp outside while keeping them juicy inside. Serve them with the sweet chili sauce for the same great flavor. You can store cooked meatballs in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down before sealing. This helps keep them fresh. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing them. Just remember to label your container so you know when you made them. These meatballs are great on their own, but they pair well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed rice: It absorbs the sweet chili sauce well. - Noodles: Any type of noodles adds a nice touch. - Fresh veggies: A simple salad or stir-fried veggies work great. - Skewers: Serve them on skewers for a fun appetizer. - Toasted sesame seeds: A sprinkle adds crunch and flavor. Feel free to mix and match these sides to find your favorite! We explored how to make delicious meatballs in a crockpot. You learned about key ingredients and substitutions. Fresh ingredients are vital for the best flavor. The step-by-step guide showed you how to prepare and cook meatballs with ease. Tips were shared to ensure tenderness and boost taste. Variations allow you to customize for diets or spice levels. Lastly, proper storage keeps your meatballs fresh for later. Now, you're ready to create your own delightful meatballs! Enjoy experimenting in the kitchen.

Sweet Chili Crockpot Meatballs

Discover a delicious Sweet and Spicy Crockpot Meatballs recipe that will elevate your next meal! Packed with flavor from ground beef, fresh breadcrumbs, and a tangy sweet chili sauce, these meatballs are perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and slow-cooked to perfection, they make a great appetizer or main dish. Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and impress your family and friends with this tasty treat!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef (or a flavorful blend of beef and pork)

1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs

1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions (reserve some for garnishing)

1 large egg, lightly beaten

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

1 cup sweet chili sauce

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust according to your spice preference)

Toasted sesame seeds for garnishing

Instructions
 

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, fresh breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, sliced green onions, beaten egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to gently mix the ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing to ensure tender meatballs.

    Form the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. You should yield about 20-24 meatballs, depending on size.

      In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha until fully blended. Taste and adjust the heat level if needed.

        Lightly spray the bottom of your crockpot with cooking spray or drizzle a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

          Nestle the meatballs gently into the crockpot and pour the sauce mixture evenly over them, ensuring each meatball is thoroughly coated.

            Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on the low setting for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are thoroughly cooked and tender.

              Once the cooking time has elapsed, carefully remove the meatballs from the crockpot using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle additional sauce from the pot over the meatballs if desired for extra flavor.

                Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and the reserved sliced green onions just before serving for an added pop of color and flavor.

                  - Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 5 hours | Servings: 6-8 servings

                    - Serving Suggestion: Serve warm as an appetizer or main dish, accompanied by rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.