Massaman Meatballs

Massaman Meatballs

Tasty Thai style meatballs in a creamy massaman sauce!
4.89 from 9 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Massaman, Meatballs, Thai
Servings 6

Equipment

  • 5L slow cooker

Ingredients
 

  • 30 – 40 ready rolled, raw meatballs – totally ok to make your own if you prefer
  • 400 ml coconut cream
  • 1 tbsp Lime Juice
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp Brown sugar
  • 1/2 tbsp Cornflour
  • 100 grams Massaman Thai curry paste – I prefer Ayam
  • Optional Veg can be added : See notes below

Instructions
 

  • Combine coconut cream, lime juice, fish sauce, brown sugar, cornflour and Massaman paste and whisk to combine. Add this mix to slow cooker.
  • Add raw meatballs.
    You can safely stir the meatballs to combine etc after 2hrs of cooking time, they'll then be fully firm and won't break apart.
    More tips on slow cooking meatballs HERE
  • Cook on low for 4 hours.
  • Optional Vegetables
    We served with creamy mashed potato and roast vegetables. I also topped with fresh coriander.
    If you wish to add vegetables in with cooking:
    – Julienne carrot sticks or diced sweet potato can be added from the start
    – Cut green beans can be added in the final hour
    – Baby spinach leaves can be stirred in during the last 30mins

Other versions of this recipe!

We also have the Chicken version HERE

And the Beef version HERE

    Keyword Meatballs
    Paulene @ Slow Cooker Central

    About the Author: Paulene @ Slow Cooker Central

    18 Comments

    1. 5 stars
      OH. MY. GOODNESS.
      This recipe is absolutely amazing! My fussy children devoured it and it’s now on regular rotation in this household! I just used Aldi pork meatballs, and I don’t have lime juice so just leave it out. We’ve served it with rice and veg, or with potato and veg, both work really well. Definitely recommend this recipe!

      1. Paulene @ Slow Cooker Central September 17, 2025

        Thanks for your 5 star review Megan! LOVE this feedback that your kids loved it too!!

    2. 5 stars
      Fantastic recipe! My whole family devoured everything, no leftovers. So full of flavour. I made my own meatballs. Definitely make it.

      1. Paulene @ Slow Cooker Central October 29, 2025

        Hooray! So pleased you loved it too Kelly! It’s actually what I am having for dinner tonight also 🙂

    3. 5 stars
      This one is a hit with the whole family including a neurodivergent child. The only changes I made was using soy sauce instead of fish sauce and sausages instead of meatballs.

      1. Paulene @ Slow Cooker Central October 30, 2025

        That’s so great to hear Peta! Thanks for taking the time to leave your feedback about your swaps too that can help others 🙂

    4. Michelle Edwards November 11, 2025

      I have always been a curry powder girl and was kept seeing this recipe and thought it might be a bit too spicy for our household, so I asked the question to Paulene who advised to give it a go, some members in her household don’t like spice either.
      I was pleasantly surprised, the curry paste creates quite a different flavour to curry powder.
      Will try it with chicken next.

      1. Paulene @ Slow Cooker Central November 13, 2025

        So happy you decided to give it a go – and that you enjoyed it so much Michelle 🙂

      1. Paulene @ Slow Cooker Central January 11, 2026

        Thanks so much Kylie for taking the time to leave your great review! 🙂

    5. Suzanne Barney March 1, 2026

      5 stars
      This was delicious. I used Rissoles from butchers and ended up with 30 meatballs from 7 Rissoles. I added a chilli and a pack of Thai frozen vegetables. We had it with mashed spud. My husband reckons I need to add another chilli next time. We like it spicy.

    6. 5 stars
      This was amazing 🤩 my family loved it and fought over the leftovers so I’ve had to start making more. I’ve made it with pre made meatballs from coles when I’m feeling lazy or chopped chuck steak and potatoes when I have a bit more time. Served with either mash or rice. 10/10

      1. Paulene @ Slow Cooker Central March 26, 2026

        Awww that’s some amazing feedback! Thanks Tara 🙂
        You’ll have to try them on it’s other two versions next to see what their favourite is x

    7. 5 stars
      Very nice and easy to do. I added carrot at the start, then cauliflower at the 2hr mark and beans in the last hr. Served with rice. A very tasty and mild curry but with a very nice flavour.

      1. Paulene @ Slow Cooker Central June 9, 2026

        That’s awesome to hear! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave your feedback Amanda 🙂

    4.89 from 9 votes (1 rating without comment)

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