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–+ servings
Party Meatballs

Irresistible Party Meatballs with a Sweet Twist

These Party Meatballs coated in sweet chili sauce are the perfect crowd-pleaser for any gathering, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 24 meatballs
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 2 lbs Ground Meat You can substitute half with ground turkey for a leaner option.
  • 1 cup Plain Breadcrumbs Gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used for a gluten-free option.
  • 1 Egg Beaten; can substitute with flaxseed meal mixed with water for a vegan option.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can be substituted if desired.
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Use finely chopped onions in place if preferred.
  • Salt and Pepper To taste; essential for flavor enhancement.
For the Sweet Chili Sauce
  • 1 cup Raspberry Jam or Preserves A different fruit jam can be used, but raspberry offers the best flavor profile.
  • ½ cup Sweet Chili Sauce Can use mild or hot versions based on preference.
  • 2 tbsp Soy Sauce Use tamari for a gluten-free version.
  • 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar White vinegar can be used as an alternative.
Garnish
  • Fresh Green Onions or Parsley Adds color and freshness.

Equipment

  • slow cooker
  • Skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • baking sheet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, plain breadcrumbs, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, along with salt and pepper to taste. Gently mix until just combined.
  2. Roll the meat mixture into small, 1-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet, yielding around 24-30 meatballs.
  3. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear meatballs for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked.
  4. In your slow cooker, whisk together raspberry jam, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
  5. Add the browned meatballs to the slow cooker, gently stirring to ensure they are evenly coated with the sweet chili sauce.
  6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 1.5-2 hours until cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F.
  7. Stir the meatballs to coat them in the sauce before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions or parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 15gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 6mg

Notes

For thicker sauce, remove the slow cooker lid during the last 20 minutes. Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough meatballs. Searing adds flavor and helps retain shape. Experiment with different jams for a unique twist.

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