Tasty Sweet Spicy Meatballs

Featured in Appetizers & Snacks.

Before my son's game day gathering, I threw some frozen meatballs into the crockpot with grape jelly, sweet chili sauce, and pineapple. They cooked during the game, and everyone grabbed seconds! The next batch spiced things up a bit—so simple to feed a crowd. No babysitting required.
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Updated on Tue, 01 Apr 2025 19:07:44 GMT
Glossy glazed meatballs in a bowl sprinkled with parsley, paired with sauce. Pin it
Glossy glazed meatballs in a bowl sprinkled with parsley, paired with sauce. | tasteofmoms.com

Whip up juicy meatballs in your crockpot with a tangy-sweet glaze. They're great for gatherings or a cozy meal at home.

Benefits Of These Meatballs

Needs just four components. Creates that tangy-sweet flavor combo. Perfect for get-togethers or casual nights. The crockpot handles everything. Grab store-bought meatballs or craft your own.

Ingredients

  • Frozen Meatballs: Standard or turkey options
  • Sweet Chili Sauce: We like Thai Kitchen brand
  • Grape Jelly: Adds sweetness
  • Pineapple: Chunks, drained

Instructions

Begin:
Drop frozen meatballs into cooker. Drizzle chili sauce on top.
Add Sweetness:
Spoon in grape jelly.
Add Tropical Touch:
Toss in drained pineapple chunks.
Mix:
Blend all ingredients together.
Heat:
Put lid on. Go with high for 1-2 hours or low for 3-4 hours. Give it a stir occasionally.
Finish:
Give one final mix and dish up hot.
A bowl packed with shiny, sauce-coated meatballs topped with fresh green herbs. Pin it
A bowl packed with shiny, sauce-coated meatballs topped with fresh green herbs. | tasteofmoms.com

Simple Yet Delicious

The crockpot does all the work for these meatballs. The tangy-sweet coating tastes amazing. Your kitchen will smell wonderful too.

Perfect For Gatherings

Works for any social event or dinner. Folks always come back for seconds. The flavor wins everyone over.

Helpful Hints

Go with frozen meatballs to cut down prep time. Stir the sauce thoroughly. Cook slowly for best flavor. Give it a stir now and then so all meatballs get coated.

Possible Variations

Try homemade meatballs if you've got time. Switch to turkey for a lighter option. Bump up the chili sauce if you want more kick.

Storing Extras

Stays good in the fridge for 4 days. They'll freeze nicely too. Warm them up in your microwave or pot until they're steaming.

A dish of flavorful meatballs swimming in glossy sauce, sprinkled with fresh parsley. Pin it
A dish of flavorful meatballs swimming in glossy sauce, sprinkled with fresh parsley. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use my own meatballs?
  • Small sizes cook better
  • Prep them fully first
  • Let cool before using
  • Same quantity and time
  • Homemade can taste great
  • Takes a little less time
→ Need gluten-free?
  • Double-check meatball ingredients
  • Read sauce packaging
  • Jelly and pineapple are safe
  • Most sweet chili sauces are fine
  • Always read every label
→ No grape jelly - what else?
  • Try cranberry sauce
  • Use apricot jam
  • Apple jelly works
  • Stick to the same amount
  • Blend everything well
  • Adjust taste as needed
→ How to keep leftovers?
  • Use an airtight box
  • Good for three days
  • Store in fridge
  • Microwave to warm
  • Add water if needed
  • Stir while reheating
→ Want them spicier?
  • Add hot sauce
  • Use red chili flakes
  • Sprinkle in cayenne
  • Start with small amounts
  • You can’t remove spice
  • Taste after each addition

Conclusion

Swap the sauce for BBQ or honey mustard, or try chicken with the sweet chili pineapple combo!

Sweet Spicy Meatballs

Quick and easy crockpot meatballs

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


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (48 meatballs)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 01

Toss the meatballs into the crockpot and pour the chili sauce over them.

Step 02

Dump the jelly right in.

Step 03

Spread the drained pineapple on top.

Step 04

Stir everything together to coat evenly.

Step 05

Set on high for 1-2 hours, or low for 3-4 hours. Stir before serving up.

Notes

  1. Stick with plain meatballs, not ones with Italian seasoning.
  2. You can totally halve this if needed.
  3. Give it a stir every so often.
  4. Turkey meatballs are a great swap.
  5. Homemade meatballs work fine here.
  6. Pineapple isn’t a must, it’s optional.
  7. Freeze leftovers if needed.

Tools You'll Need

  • Slow cooker.
  • Big spoon.
  • Measuring tools.
  • Opener for cans.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains meat.
  • Might have gluten—double-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