Slow-Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Discover a delightful balance of flavors with these slow-cooker sweet and sour meatballs. Perfect for a cozy dinner or bringing to a potluck, this recipe combines the convenience of a slow-cooker meal with the vibrant taste of sweet and tangy sauce. The juicy meatballs and crisp-tender vegetables make this dish a standout that requires very little effort.

Ingredients for Slow-Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs

• Frozen fully cooked homestyle meatballs: Frozen precooked meatballs provide a convenient and hearty base for the dish, absorbing the sweet and sour sauce flavors. For a plant-based option, vegetarian meatballs work well.
• Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness to balance the vinegar in the recipe, creating a classic sweet and sour flavor. Honey or agave syrup are good natural alternative sweeteners for this meatball dish.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch thickens the sauce to coat the meatballs evenly, providing a glossy finish.
• White vinegar: White vinegar adds tanginess and sharpness to the sauce while allowing the soy sauce and sugar to take center stage. Vinegar is essential for the sweet and sour taste, but apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar will work if you have them around.
• Reduced-sodium soy sauce: Soy sauce imparts umami and depth to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile. We chose reduced-sodium here to keep the recipe from getting too salty. Tamari is a gluten-free option, and coconut aminos work well if you avoid soy.
• Green pepper: This pepper provides a fresh, tart, crunchy texture and a pop of color in the dish. Try red or yellow bell peppers for a sweeter flavor.
• Pineapple chunks, undrained: Canned pineapple adds a tropical sweetness and juiciness to the sauce, complementing the other flavors. Use fresh pineapple chunks if you prefer, adding 1/4 cup pineapple juice separately.
• Hot cooked rice (optional): Rice serves as a neutral base to soak up the flavorful sauce, making these sweet and sour meatballs into a complete meal.

Directions

Step 1: Add the meatballs

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Place the thawed meatballs into a 1-1/2 quart slow cooker.

Step 2: Make the sauce

Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home

Combine the sugar, cornstarch, vinegar and soy sauce in a small bowl. Pour this mixture over the meatballs, then add the green pepper pieces. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-1/2 hours or until the green pepper is crisp-tender.

Step 3: Add the pineapple

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Stir in the pineapple chunks and their juice. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes or until the pineapple is heated through.

Step 4: Serve and enjoy

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If desired, serve the sweet and sour meatballs over hot cooked rice.

Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home

Slow-Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatball Variations

• Swap the fruit: To add a unique twist while keeping the sweet and sour profile, replace the pineapple chunks with fresh peaches or apricots.
• Go homemade: For a homemade option, use your favorite meatball recipe for a richer taste and better control over ingredients.
• Add extra veggies: For extra crunch and nutrition, incorporate additional vegetables such as broccoli, snow peas or sliced carrots during the last hour of cooking.

How to Store Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Let the meatballs and sauce cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator. Properly stored, these meatballs can last for three to four days.

Can you make slow-cooker sweet and sour meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, these meatballs are a great option to make ahead of time. Combine your ingredients and refrigerate, then add to your slow cooker and cook as directed when you’re ready.

Can you freeze slow-cooker sweet and sour meatballs?

Place the cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to three months. To reheat, place in the refrigerator to thaw overnight and warm slowly over medium heat in a saucepan until heated.

Slow-Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatball Tips

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Is it better to bake meatballs or cook them in sauce?

When it comes to cooking meatballs, whether to bake or cook them in sauce depends on personal preference. Baking can produce a firmer texture, while cooking in the sauce infuses more flavor.

What should I not do when making meatballs?

Avoid overworking the meat mixture when making meatballs, as it can result in tough meatballs.

Can you overcook meatballs in sauce?

Overcooking meatballs in the sauce can make them dry and tough, so monitoring cooking time is important.