These Sweet and Spicy Slow Cooker Meatballs are a crowd-pleasing, simple-to-make appetizer that’s perfect for game day, parties, or any casual gathering. With just a handful of ingredients, you can turn frozen meatballs into a flavorful and savory dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These meatballs are the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory, offering a bold flavor that’s sure to impress your guests. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming a few basic ingredients into a rich, saucy dish with minimal effort. The slight sweetness from the brown sugar and honey balances out the heat from the sriracha and jalapeno ketchup, creating an irresistible bite. Plus, this dish is super easy to make, making it a stress-free addition to any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party or need a quick appetizer, these meatballs are always a hit! Sweet and Spicy Slow Cooker Meatballs

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 pounds frozen fully cooked meatballs
½ cup light brown sugar
¼ cup honey
1 cup jalapeno ketchup
3 tablespoons sriracha sauce
¼ cup soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
Sliced green onions or chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Place the frozen meatballs in your slow cooker.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, jalapeno ketchup, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, and minced garlic until well combined.
Pour the sauce over the meatballs, tossing them to coat evenly.
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened.
Garnish with sliced green onions or chopped cilantro, if desired, before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 60 meatballs
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

Storage/Reheating

To store leftovers, transfer the meatballs and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either use the microwave or heat them up in a slow cooker on LOW for about 1 hour until warmed through. These meatballs also freeze well. If you want to freeze them, simply place the meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container and store them for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the slow cooker or microwave.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones?

Yes, you can use homemade meatballs! Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your meatballs.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce the day before, refrigerate them, and then cook them in the slow cooker the next day. This can help the flavors meld even better.

Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?

If you want to kick up the heat, you can increase the amount of sriracha sauce or add more jalapeno ketchup. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add fresh chopped chili peppers for an extra fiery punch.

Can I make this recipe with turkey or chicken meatballs?

Yes, turkey or chicken meatballs work perfectly with this recipe. Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker.

How do I know when the meatballs are done?

The meatballs are ready when they are heated through, and the sauce has thickened. If you’re cooking on LOW, this typically takes 5–6 hours, and on HIGH, about 2–3 hours.

Can I substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free option?

Yes, you can use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute to make this recipe gluten-free.

Can I use regular ketchup instead of jalapeno ketchup?

Yes, regular ketchup can be used in place of jalapeno ketchup. However, for that extra kick of heat, you might want to add more sriracha sauce or some finely chopped fresh jalapenos.

How spicy are these meatballs?

The heat level is moderate, thanks to the sriracha sauce and jalapeno ketchup. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount of sriracha or substitute the jalapeno ketchup for a milder ketchup variety.

Can I serve these meatballs with anything else?

These sweet and spicy meatballs pair great with a side of rice, over a bed of noodles, or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. They also work perfectly on their own as an appetizer.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and cook in a larger slow cooker. Just ensure that there’s enough space for the meatballs to cook evenly. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if you’re making a larger batch.

Conclusion

These Sweet and Spicy Slow Cooker Meatballs are the perfect appetizer for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, prepping for game day, or looking for an easy dinner idea, this recipe delivers on flavor and ease. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a favorite at every gathering.