Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Meatballs

$To make these tasty meatballs, you need a few key items: - 1 pound ground beef - ½ pound ground turkey - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1 large egg - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ginger, minced - ½ cup green onions, sliced These meats provide a nice mix of flavor. The breadcrumbs keep them moist and give them a good texture. The garlic and ginger add a nice kick to the dish. To boost the flavor, use: - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 cup sweet chili sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional for extra heat) - Salt and pepper to taste Soy sauce and sesame oil add depth to the meatballs. Sweet chili sauce brings sweetness and heat, while rice vinegar gives brightness. Sriracha is for those who like it hot! To finish off your dish, use: - Fresh cilantro for garnish Garnish with cilantro for a fresh touch. Serve these meatballs with rice or noodles for a complete meal. They also work well as appetizers at parties! To make the meatball mix, start with a large bowl. Add 1 pound of ground beef and ½ pound of ground turkey. Then, toss in 1 cup of breadcrumbs and 1 large egg. Next, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of minced ginger. Include ½ cup of sliced green onions, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands to mix everything together. Be gentle; overmixing can make them tough. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Browning the meatballs adds extra flavor. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place a few meatballs in the skillet, about 3-4 at a time. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, turning until they are brown all over. If you prefer a quicker method, you can skip this step and move to the slow cooking. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of sriracha for a kick. Once your meatballs are browned, transfer them to the slow cooker. Pour the sweet chili sauce mixture over the meatballs, making sure they are well coated. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. When the meatballs are cooked through and tender, gently stir them to coat in the sauce. For a fresh touch, garnish with chopped cilantro before serving. To get the best meatball texture, mix your ingredients well. Use your hands, but don’t overmix. Overmixing can make meatballs tough. A good mix binds the meat and keeps them juicy. Aim for a mixture that holds together but is not too dense. For great sauce flavor, balance is key. Combine sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha for a kick. Taste test as you mix; adjust to your liking. Adding soy sauce and sesame oil deepens the flavor. Fresh cilantro at the end adds a burst of freshness. If you're short on time, use the high setting for 2-3 hours. This still gives tender meatballs. For more flavor, cook on low for 4-6 hours. This longer time allows flavors to meld better. Either way, check that your meatballs reach 165°F for safety. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in these meatballs. Instead of beef and turkey, try chicken or pork. Ground chicken gives a lighter taste. Ground pork adds richness and flavor. You can also use plant-based meats for a vegan option. The texture and taste may change, but they can still be delicious. You control the heat in your meatballs. If you like spice, add more sriracha. You could also mix in some crushed red pepper flakes. For a mild version, leave out the sriracha entirely. Taste the sauce first and adjust it to your liking. Everyone can enjoy their bowl of meatballs, no matter the heat level. While sweet chili sauce is great, you can try other sauces too. Teriyaki sauce adds a sweet and savory touch. A peanut sauce gives a nutty flavor that pairs well. You can even serve the meatballs with a tangy BBQ sauce. Each sauce brings a new twist to the dish. Experiment to find your favorite! Once you enjoy your sweet chili meatballs, store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. Make sure to let them cool before sealing. They will stay good in the fridge for up to three days. Label your container to remember when you made them. When you are ready to eat your leftovers, you can reheat them in several ways. The microwave is quick and easy. Heat them on medium for about one to two minutes. Stir halfway through for even heat. You can also reheat them on the stove. Just add a splash of water or sauce to keep them moist. If you want to save meatballs for later, freezing is a great option. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove air from the bag to avoid freezer burn. They will last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as usual. Yes, you can use pre-made meatballs. They save time and still taste great. Just choose a brand you like. Heat them in your slow cooker with the sweet chili sauce. Cook on low for about 4 hours. This method works well for busy days. To make the recipe gluten-free, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. Also, use gluten-free soy sauce. Many brands offer this option. Check labels to ensure they are safe. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worry. Sweet chili meatballs pair well with several sides. Try serving them with rice or noodles. You can also add steamed broccoli or a fresh salad. These options balance the sweet and spicy flavors nicely. Leftovers can last in the fridge for up to four days. Keep them in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove. Ensure they reach a safe temperature before eating. Enjoy your tasty meatballs again! This blog post covered how to make sweet chili meatballs. We explored the main and extra ingredients that add great flavor. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing and cooking the meatballs. You also learned tips for the best texture and sauce taste. We discussed variations to customize your meal and how to store leftovers. Remember, sweet chili meatballs are fun and easy to make. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sharing them with friends!$

Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Meatballs

Savor the taste of Sweet Chili Meatball Delight with this irresistible recipe! Combining ground beef, turkey, and a mix of flavorful ingredients, these meatballs are simmered in a luscious sweet chili sauce for a delightful treat. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner, this dish will impress everyone at the table. Click through to explore detailed instructions and take your meal to the next level!

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Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

½ pound ground turkey

1 cup breadcrumbs

1 large egg

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ginger, minced

½ cup green onions, sliced

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 cup sweet chili sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon sriracha (optional for extra heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, minced ginger, sliced green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.

Mix everything together with your hands until well combined, but do not overmix.

Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.

Once all meatballs are formed, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly brown the meatballs in batches (about 3-4 minutes per batch). This step is optional but adds extra flavor.

In a bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha. Stir well.

Transfer the browned meatballs to your slow cooker and pour the sweet chili sauce mixture over them, making sure they're well coated.

Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.

Once done, carefully stir the meatballs a few times to coat them in the sauce before serving.

Garnish with fresh cilantro for added freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 6 hours | Servings: 6