Add Meatballs: The Foundation: Place the frozen meatballs directly into your crockpot. There’s no need to thaw them – they can go straight from the freezer to the crockpot, which is a huge time-saver. Spread the meatballs evenly across the bottom of the crockpot.

Add Chili Sauce: The Sweet and Spicy Base: Pour the sweet red chili sauce over the meatballs, ensuring that all the meatballs are coated. The sweet chili sauce provides the initial sweet and spicy flavor profile that makes these meatballs so addictive.

Add Jelly: The Sweetening Agent: Add the grape jelly (or your chosen jelly) to the crockpot. The jelly will melt as the meatballs cook, adding sweetness and thickening the sauce. It also helps to create a glossy and appealing finish.

Add Pineapple: The Tropical Touch: Add the drained pineapple tidbits (or your chosen fruit) to the crockpot. Make sure the pineapple is thoroughly drained to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery. The pineapple adds a touch of tropical sweetness and a burst of juicy flavor that complements the sweet chili sauce and the meatballs.

Stir and Combine: Ensuring Even Distribution: Stir everything together gently but thoroughly to coat the meatballs evenly with the sauce. Make sure all the meatballs are submerged in the sauce so they can absorb the flavors as they cook.

Cook: The Slow and Flavorful Transformation: Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 1-2 hours or on low for 3-4 hours. Cooking on low for a longer period will result in more tender and flavorful meatballs, as it allows the flavors to meld together more slowly and deeply. However, cooking on high for a shorter period will also work if you’re short on time. Since the meatballs are already cooked, you’re primarily heating them through and letting the sauce thicken and the flavors combine. Pro Tip: Resist the urge to open the lid of the crockpot during cooking, as this will release heat and prolong the cooking time.

Stir and Serve: The Final Flourish: Once the cooking time is complete, uncover the crockpot and stir the meatballs again gently. The sauce should be thick and glossy, coating the meatballs beautifully. The meatballs should be heated through and tender. Taste a meatball to ensure it is heated through. If not, continue cooking for another 30 minutes. Serve the Sweet Chili Meatballs hot and enjoy!