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Easy Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

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...

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 6 hrs
Rest Time 5 mins
Total Time 6 hrs 20 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Servings: 6
Calories: 370
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year, Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall
Dietary: dairy free, Gluten Free, High Protein, Non Vegetarian
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
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cups diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
  • 1 bell pepper (diced)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 1/4 cup water (optional, for cornstarch slurry)
Instructions
  1. 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.

  2. 2
    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.

  3. 3
    Make the Sauce

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

  4. 4
    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.

  5. 5
    Add Pineapple and Bell Peppers

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

  6. 6
    Cook

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

  7. 7
    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.

  8. 8
    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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Read it online: https://mykitchentreats.com/recipe/easy-slow-cooker-sweet-and-sour-meatballs-recipe/
Courtney