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Sweet Chili Beef Smokies in the Slow Cooker: These sweet and spicy little beef smokies are a favorite snack that people have loved for years at parties, card games, and football watch parties all over the Midwest. You only need a few ingredients, and your slow cooker does most of the work for you. What comes out is a warm, shiny, sweet-and-savory treat that people keep coming back for, grabbing one more with a toothpick every time they walk by the table.
Set these smokies out right from the slow cooker with a pile of toothpicks and small napkins nearby. Add cheese cubes, pickle roll-ups, deviled eggs, or a fresh veggie tray to round out your table. If you’re planning a bigger spread, they also go great with potato chips, macaroni salad, baked beans, or a tray of bar cookies for a laid-back weekend get-together.
These sweet chili beef smokies are a can’t-miss party snack made with just three simple ingredients and a slow cooker. Sweet, sticky, and a little savory, they’re perfect for potlucks, holidays, or game day. Easy to make ahead and even easier to serve, they’ll disappear fast off any snack table.
Servings: 10
Ingredients
- 2 packages mini beef smokies (about 28 ounces total)
- 1 cup bottled sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons grape jelly
Sweet Chili Beef Smokies: Directions
- Open both packages of mini beef smokies and pour them straight into your slow cooker.
- Pour the sweet chili sauce over the smokies so it covers most of them. Then drop in the grape jelly on top.
- Using a large spoon, stir everything together gently. Make sure each smokie gets coated in the sauce mixture, but be careful not to stir too hard or you might break them apart.
- Put the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours, or on high heat for 1 to 1 and a half hours. If you have time, stir once or twice while it cooks so the sauce heats evenly. The smokies are ready when they’re hot all the way through and the sauce looks smooth, glossy, and bubbly.
- Once they’re done cooking, switch the slow cooker to the “warm” setting. You can serve the smokies right out of the crock, or scoop them into a serving bowl and set out toothpicks for easy grabbing.
Tips and Variations
Add a Kick: If your guests enjoy a spicier bite, mix in a small spoonful of sriracha sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. This adds a nice warmth to the dish without covering up the sweet flavor.
Balance the Sweetness: A tiny splash of apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar can help even out the sauce if you like things a little less sweet. This trick works especially well if your sweet chili sauce is on the sugary side.
Feeding a Crowd: Want to make more for a bigger party? You can double this recipe, just make sure your slow cooker isn’t filled more than about three-quarters of the way. Stir the mixture once or twice while it cooks so the sauce coats everything evenly.
Keep the Sauce Smooth: If the sauce gets too thick while sitting on warm, simply stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of water. This will thin it back out and keep the smokies looking glossy and ready to serve.
