Sweet and Spicy Slow Cooker Meatballs
Ingredients
450 grams of frozen meatballs (either store-bought or homemade)
1 cup of grape jelly
1 cup of Heinz-style chili sauce
Instructions
Begin by taking a crockpot and combining the grape jelly and chili sauce in it. Stir the two ingredients together until they are thoroughly mixed.
Next, add the frozen meatballs into the crockpot, immersing them in the sauce mixture.
Gently stir the meatballs around in the crockpot, ensuring that each one is evenly coated with the sauce.
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on a low heat setting. Let it cook for approximately 4 to 6 hours. The meatballs should be fully heated through and the sauce should have a thicker consistency by the end of this cooking period.
Once the cooking is complete, the meatballs are ready to be served. You can present them with toothpicks as a tasty appetizer, or you can serve them over a bed of rice or noodles for a satisfying main course.
Nutrition Information:
Yields: 4 | Serving Size: 1
Calories: 300 | Protein: 15 grams | Carbohydrates: 35 grams | Fat: 10 grams | Sugars: 25 grams | Sodium: 800 mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use homemade meatballs for this recipe, or is it better to use store-bought ones?
You can use either homemade or store-bought meatballs, depending on your preference and time constraints.
Both work well with the sweet and spicy sauce.
Can I adjust the sweetness and spiciness of the sauce to my liking?
Absolutely! Feel free to tweak the ratio of grape jelly to chili sauce to achieve your desired level of sweetness and spiciness.
How long should I cook the meatballs in the slow cooker?
Cook the meatballs on a low heat setting for approximately 4 to 6 hours.
This ensures they are thoroughly heated, and the sauce has a chance to develop its flavors.
Can I use a different type of jelly if I don’t have grape jelly?
Yes, you can experiment with other fruit jellies like apricot or orange to add a unique twist to the flavor.
What are some creative ways to serve these meatballs?
Serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks, or make it a main course by placing them over a bed of rice or noodles.
They also work well in sandwiches or wraps.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time and reheat them later?
Yes, these meatballs reheat well.
Prepare them in advance, refrigerate, and reheat when ready to serve.
Are there any side dishes that pair particularly well with these meatballs?
They go great with rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
For a lighter option, consider serving them alongside a fresh green salad.
Can I freeze the leftovers for later?
Absolutely! Allow the meatballs to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container for freezing. Reheat when needed.
What variations can I try with the sauce?
Experiment with adding ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, or hot sauce to the sauce for different flavor profiles.
Can I make these meatballs in a regular oven if I don’t have a slow cooker?
Yes, you can bake them in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) for 30-45 minutes or until heated through.
Adjust the time as needed.