Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Meatballs

Sweet Chili Meatballs are a great weeknight dinner! Flavor packed pork meatballs with sesame, garlic and soy sauce are slow cooked in a sweet chili sauce. 

If your house is anything like mine, meatballs are always a winner. Whether its the classic Spaghetti and Meatballs, Baked Chicken Meatballs or even Lamb Meatballs, my family gobbles them up. That is why I love making them on busy weeknights. And the use of the slow cooker makes these even easier!

These Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Meatballs are another favorite around here. The meatballs themselves are absolutely packed with flavor thanks to the pork, sesame, fresh garlic and soy sauce. The sauce is super easy, but just as flavorful thanks to beef broth and one of my favorite Asian condiments: sweet chili sauce. 

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make them. 

Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Meatball Ingredients: 

These meatballs only have a handful of ingredients that you might even have on hand! 

• GROUND PORK: I prefer to use ground pork with this recipe but you could also use ground beef, ground turkey or ground chicken.
• GARLIC: I prefer to use fresh minced garlic for this and use  3 – 4 large cloves. 
• PANKO BREAD CRUMBS: These along with the egg will help bind the meatballs together. If you don’t have access to panko, plain breadcrumbs will work. 
• SOY SAUCE: Adds salty, umami flavor. 
• SESAME OIL: Adds nutty flavor. 
• SALT
• SESAME SEEDS: Will add a bit of texture and nutty sesame flavor to the meatballs. They also make a great garnish!
• EGG: Will help bind the meatballs together. 
• BEEF BROTH: Will add a rich meaty flavor to the sauce. 
• SWEET CHILI SAUCE: An Asian condiment that is popular in Thailand. It is sweet, sour and just a touch spicy. Think of it as a sweet n’ sour sauce that is a touch spicier. My favorite brand is Mae Ploy.
• CILANTRO: An optional garnish to brighten up the look of the dish a bit. 

Step by Step Photos and Instructions: 

Don’t be intimidated by the thought of making homemade meatballs, they are actually really easy to do! And once you get them made, your work is practically done, the slow-cooker does the rest! 

• STEP #1: Combine pork, garlic, panko, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt and sesame seeds together in a bowl just until they are combined.
• STEP #2: Roll the mixture into about 20 meatballs. You may have more or less depending on the size of the meatballs you prefer. 
• STEP #3: Place the meatballs into the slow cooker and pour beef broth over the top. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. 
• STEP #4: After 4 hours, stir chili sauce into the meatballs. Cover and continue cooking on low for 2 hours. Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with sesame seeds, garnish with cilantro (optional) and serve. 

These Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Meatballs are great served with some steamed rice to soak up all of that delicious sauce. 

Storage and Leftovers: 

If you have any leftovers, store them covered in the refrigerator and eat within a few days. I like to reheat them with a quick zap in the microwave. 

Watch how quickly these Sweet Chili Meatballs come together!

If you love these Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Meatballs, you’ve got to check out these other meatball recipes? Try these!

Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs are the ultimate party appetizer. They are crazy easy to make and only require 3 ingredients!

Meatballs in mushroom sauce is the ultimate comfort food! Beef and pork meatballs pan seared and simmered in a creamy mushroom sauce.

Baked Turkey Meatballs with an Asian twist. They are mixed with ginger, mushrooms, peppers and water chestnuts and then baked to perfection! 

NOTE: Post was originally posted September 2014. Video added 2017. Photos, step by step photos and nutrition information updated 2025.