For delicious recipes By Courtney Smith

Easy Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

Courtney 0 Comments
Servings: 6 Total Time: 6 hrs 20 mins Difficulty: Beginner
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Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs: A Simple, Flavorful Dish for Any Occasion

These Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs are the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Juicy meatballs simmer in a delicious sauce that’s made with simple pantry ingredients. With just a few minutes of prep, this dish is ideal for busy days when you want something hearty but easy. Plus, your slow cooker does all the work!

Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving comfort food, these meatballs are always a hit. Serve them over rice or as an appetizer for a flavorful dish everyone will love. Try them out for your next gathering or a simple weeknight meal!

What Makes This Recipe So Good?

  • Easy to Prepare: Minimal prep time with the slow cooker doing most of the work.
  • Perfect Flavor Balance: The sweet and sour sauce provides a delicious blend of tangy and sweet.
  • Great for Busy Days: Set it and forget it—perfect for weeknights or when you’re on the go.
  • Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, over rice, or with your favorite sides.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Always a hit at parties, family dinners, or potlucks.
  • Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, no complicated ingredients required.

Key Ingredients

  • Ground Beef: The base for juicy, tender meatballs.
  • Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and adds texture.
  • Eggs: Ensures the meatballs hold together during cooking.
  • Garlic & Onion: Adds depth of flavor to the meatballs.
  • Ketchup: A key ingredient for the sweet and tangy sauce.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds savory, umami richness to balance the sweetness.
  • Vinegar: Provides the tangy component of the sweet and sour sauce.
  • Brown Sugar: Sweetens the sauce for that perfect flavor contrast.
  • Pineapple Chunks: Adds a burst of sweetness and texture to the dish.
  • Bell Peppers: Gives the sauce extra crunch and color.

Chefs Helpful Tips

  • Use a Cookie Scoop: For evenly sized meatballs, use a cookie scoop to portion them out before rolling.
  • Sear Meatballs First: For extra flavor and a firmer texture, brown the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
  • Don’t Skip the Pineapple: The pineapple chunks not only add sweetness but also help tenderize the meatballs.
  • Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix in a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  • Adjust Sweetness and Tanginess: Taste the sauce and adjust the sugar or vinegar to your personal preference.
  • Freeze for Later: These meatballs freeze well—perfect for meal prepping. Just make a double batch and freeze the leftovers for another day!

Recipes To Try…

Print Recipe

Easy Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

Author: Courtney Cooking Method: Cuisine: Courses: , Recipe Keys: Dairy Free Freezer Meals Gluten Free High Protein Kids Non Vegetarian Nut Free Quick Meals Slow Cooker Recipes Soy Free
Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 6 hrs Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 6 hrs 20 mins
Servings: 6 Calories: 370
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year, Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall

Description

These Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs are the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Juicy meatballs simmer in a delicious sauce that’s made with simple pantry ingredients. With just a few minutes of prep, this dish is ideal for busy days when you want something hearty but easy. Plus, your slow cooker does all the work!

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs

    In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

  1. Form the Meatballs

    Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. If desired, brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side.

  1. Make the Sauce

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar.

  1. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker

    Place the meatballs in the slow cooker. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are fully coated.

  1. Add Pineapple and Bell Peppers

    Top the meatballs with the pineapple chunks and diced bell peppers.

  1. Cook

    Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through.

  1. Optional—Thicken the Sauce

    If you prefer a thicker sauce, 30 minutes before serving, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker and allow the sauce to thicken.

  1. Serve

    Serve the sweet and sour meatballs over rice or as an appetizer, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 370kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 20g31%
Saturated Fat 7g35%
Trans Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 90mg30%
Sodium 820mg35%
Potassium 430mg13%
Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Sugars 20g
Protein 18g36%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I use frozen meatballs instead of homemade?

Yes, you can use frozen meatballs to save time. Simply add them to the slow cooker with the sauce and adjust the cooking time if needed (usually 2-3 hours on low for pre-cooked frozen meatballs).

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time, refrigerate them, and then cook everything in the slow cooker the next day.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover sweet and sour meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs and use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Can I adjust the sweetness or tanginess?

Definitely! To adjust the sweetness, add more brown sugar. For extra tanginess, add more vinegar until the flavor suits your taste.

What can I serve with these meatballs?

These meatballs pair well with steamed rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes. They also make a great appetizer on their own.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option. Just ensure it’s fully cooked.

How long should I cook the meatballs if I brown them first?

If you brown the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker, you can reduce the cooking time by about an hour. Check them for doneness around the 3-4 hour mark on low.

How do I thicken the sauce?

If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water and stir it into the slow cooker 30 minutes before serving.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or broccoli for extra nutrition and crunch. Add them during the last hour of cooking to avoid overcooking.

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