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Crock Pot Sweet and Spicy Meatballs

These Crock Pot Sweet and Spicy Meatballs are a game changer! They’re perfect for potlucks, the big game, or just a cozy night at home. 

Juicy meatballs, drenched in a deliciously spicy sauce, simmering away in a crock pot, ready to rock your next party? Heck yeah!

 

Main image for Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe. Fork holding a meatball

 

Sriracha meatballs are the perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavor that your whole family will love!

They are the perfect appetizer for game days, holiday parties, or just any day.

Using a crock pot means it’s almost hands-off cooking. Score!

And they can be made with homemade meatballs or store-bought if you’re in a rush.

The rich cranberry sauce just combines so perfectly with the kick of sriracha. It’s seriously like a sauce that’s out of a fairy tale!

And did I mention that honey sriracha meatballs are oh-so-addictive? Try to stop at just one!

 

All ingredients laid out on counter, ready to assemble

 

What Ingredients are in Crock Pot Sweet and Spicy Meatballs?

This delicious meatball recipe uses few ingredients and turns out perfect every time!

The next time you’re at the grocery store, grab these meatball ingredients:

  • Meatballs: The star, choose between homemade meatballs or the convenience of frozen meatballs.
  • Sriracha Sauce: Brings the heat! A spicy flavor that’s also rich.
  • Cranberry Sauce: Adds sweetness and a tart contrast.
  • Brown Sugar: Enhances the sweetness, balancing the spicy kick.
  • Honey: A natural sweetener that binds the sauce ingredients together.

Pro tips: 

  • If making homemade meatballs, try THIS recipe for delicious goodness!
  • Use soft brown sugar for easier measuring.

 

sriarcha, cranberry sauce, brown sugar and honey all placed in a bowl, unmixed.

 

How to Make Crock Pot Sweet and Spicy Meatballs

This easy recipe is a surefire crowd pleaser and will undoubtedly become one of your favorite recipes too. 

The full recipe is below but here’s what you need to know:

  1. Prep your slow cooker with a non-stick method of choice.
  2. Toss in those meatballs.
  3. Whip up your sauce in a large bowl.
  4. Drench those meatballs in the sauce.
  5. Slow cook, stir occasionally, and serve warm.

Pro tips: 

  • For an extra kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce!
  • Don’t forget to stir occasionally to keep them in the sauce and make sure they don’t burn.
  • If you have a slow cooker liner, use it. It really helps when it’s time to clean up!

 

cranberry sauce mixed in bowl,

 

Can I Make Sweet and Spicy Meatballs on the Stove Top?

You can absolutely make this sweet and spicy meatballs recipe on the stove top! 

I prefer to make them in the crockpot since it’s hands off. Toss them in and just stir occasionally.

But if you’re short on time, simply simmer the sauce on medium heat and add your cooked meatballs, letting them soak in all the goodness.

I still prefer to give them a little time to really be in the sauce that way.

 

cranberry sauce being poured onto meatballs in crock pot.

 

Can Sweet and Spicy Meatballs Be Made in the Crock Pot?

You should definitely make sweet and spicy meatballs in the crock pot. It’s a crowd favorite and my personal favorite too!

The crock pot allows the flavors to really soak right into the meatballs.

I also like it because you really are mostly hands off. Just stir occasionally and then that’s it!

Seriously. I wish all food could be made in the crock pot. It would make my life so much easier.

 

cranberry sauce mixed into meatballs.

 

Can I Freeze Sweet and Spicy Meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze these cocktail meatballs!

Once cooled, just store them in an airtight container and pop them in the freezer. 

This is a great recipe for meal prep or for a future game day appetizer.

Don’t forget to write the name of the recipe and what date you made them on the container.

That way they won’t get lost in the freezer!

 

zoomed in image of saucy meatballs

 

How to Store Sweet and Spicy Meatballs?

Place the easy crockpot meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate. 

They reheat super well and taste even better the next day!

Just don’t forget to let them cool to room temperature before transferring them.

Otherwise they’ll “sweat” in the container and it’ll cause them to go bad faster.

 

wooden spoon scooping meatballs out of crock pot.

 

When to Serve Sweet and Spicy Meatballs?

Serve sweet and spicy slow cooker meatballs whenever you get the craving!

They are perfect for:

  • game nights
  • holiday appetizer
  • at family dinners
  • new years
  • before a main course
  • as a main dish with other side dishes

And seriously, this delicious recipe is a family favorite. I don’t think there’s ever a time you shouldn’t serve them!

 

cooked meatballs in a bowl.

 

What to Serve with Sweet and Spicy Meatballs?

Party meatballs can be served with a lot of different appetizers or side dishes.

Here are some ideas:

 

Fork holding a single meatballs above bowl of meatballs.

 

Can Dogs Eat Sweet and Spicy Meatballs?

It’s best for dogs to not eat meatballs. 

While meat like ground beef by itself might be fine for them in small amounts, the spicy sauce can be really too much for their stomachs.

However, meatballs are usually pretty tempting for our furry friends. So keep the meatballs out of their reach!

 

cranberry meatballs placed on top of a bowl of rice.

 

Additional Meatball Recipes You’ll Love…

Whether you’re preparing for a New Year’s bash, a holiday party, or just craving something delicious, these sweet and spicy meatballs will hit the spot.

Cheers to sweet, spicy, and everything nice! Enjoy!

 

wooden spoon scooping meatballs out of crock pot.

Sweet Sriracha Meatballs

Yield: 12 Servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Dive into the world of Sweet and Spicy Meatballs! Perfectly juicy with a tantalizing sauce, they're the star of every party.

Instructions

  1. Spray your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray
  2. Add meatballs to slow cooker and turn on low
  3. Mix together remaining ingredients and pour over the top.
  4. Heat for 2-3 hours stirring occasionally.
  5. Serve warm.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 322Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 783mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 2gSugar: 27gProtein: 11g
Originally Published: February 5, 2016

Photos & Text Updated: October 5, 2024

Looking for an easy meatball crockpot appetizer for game day? Sweet pairs with spicy in this Sweet Sriracha Meatballs recipe...the perfect addition to any party menu! You can even tone down the spiciness for a more kid friendly dish.

Sweet Sriracha Meatballs collage

Looking for an easy meatball crockpot appetizer for game day? Sweet pairs with spicy in this Sweet Sriracha Meatballs recipe...the perfect addition to any party menu! You can even tone down the spiciness for a more kid friendly dish.

 

 

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Kim

Tuesday 18th of June 2019

So easy & delicious!

Fran

Wednesday 7th of November 2018

I made these meatballs for Christmas Eve last year; and I will make them this year too! They are delicious I'm not normally a fan of meatballs, but this recipe converted me.

petra08

Thursday 12th of January 2017

Mmm meatballs and sriracha! Yum :)

Liz W.

Wednesday 11th of January 2017

Oh wow, these look soooooo good! I love Sriracha...I might be addicted to it!

Miz Helen

Tuesday 10th of January 2017

Your Sweet Sriracha Meatballs look fantastic! Hope you are having a great week and thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday. Miz Helen

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