Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

These Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a delicious and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights! Tender meatballs are simmered in a tangy-sweet sauce with pineapple chunks, creating a dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. Your slow cooker does all the work, so you can come home to a delicious dinner with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy and convenient: Simply toss the ingredients in your crock pot and let it do its magic!
• Flavorful sauce: The sweet and sour sauce is a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.
• Family-friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults.
• Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even as an appetizer.

this Recipe

Ingredients for Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pineapple Chunks in 100% Juice: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the sauce.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor.
• Rice Wine Vinegar: Contributes to the tanginess of the sauce.
• Ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess.
• Frozen Homestyle Meatballs: Use your favorite brand of frozen meatballs.
• Water and Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce.
• Sliced Green Onions (optional): For garnish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

How to Make Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Step 1: Combine the Sauce Ingredients

Spray the slow cooker insert with nonstick cooking spray. Add the canned pineapple chunks with the juice (do not drain), honey, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and ketchup to the slow cooker. Stir until combined.

Step 2: Add the Meatballs

Place the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker and stir well until all the meatballs are coated in the sauce.

Step 3: Cook

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW heat for 4-6 hours.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the water and cornstarch until smooth. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the crock pot and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. If needed, turn the crock pot to HIGH heat to help thicken the sauce quicker.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Sprinkle the meatballs with sliced green onions (if using) and serve over a bed of cooked white rice.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Meatballs: Use homestyle meatballs for best results, as they tend to hold their shape better in the slow cooker.
• Cornstarch slurry: If you don’t want the sauce too thick, you can omit the cornstarch slurry.
• More sauce: If you want more sauce, add 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of chicken broth or pineapple juice to the crock pot after the initial cooking time.

How to Serve Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs

• Over rice: Serve the meatballs over a bed of cooked white rice.
• With noodles: You can also serve them over noodles, such as rice noodles or egg noodles.
• As an appetizer: Serve the meatballs on toothpicks as an appetizer for a party or gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat the meatballs and sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple. Simply cut it into bite-sized chunks and add it to the slow cooker with the other ingredients.

Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
Yes, you can! Simply brown the meatballs in a skillet on the stovetop, then transfer them to a pot with the sauce ingredients. Simmer until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

My sauce is too thick, what should I do?
If your sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of water or pineapple juice.

Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs. I hope you enjoy it!

Print