Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe is incredibly easy to make and offers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The meatballs become tender as they simmer in a luscious, tangy sauce, and the pineapple adds a lovely sweetness that perfectly balances the savory elements. The slow cooker does all the work, making this an ideal dish for busy days when you want a flavorful meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen precooked homestyle meatballs (about 60 meatballs)
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple tidbits (do not drain)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup rice vinegar
• 1/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 green pepper, sliced

Cornstarch Slurry

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Place the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker.
2. Add the pineapple tidbits (with the juice), brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, water, and sliced green pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is well combined.
4. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry.
5. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
6. Continue to cook for the remaining time, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
7. Once ready, serve the sweet and sour meatballs over steamed rice or noodles.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Total Time: 4-6 hours (slow cook on low) or 2-3 hours (slow cook on high)

Variations

• Add Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like sliced onions, carrots, or bell peppers to the slow cooker for added flavor and texture.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped fresh chili peppers to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Homemade Meatballs: If you prefer, you can swap the frozen meatballs with homemade meatballs made from ground beef, or turkey.
• Pineapple Alternative: If you don’t like pineapple, you can use other fruits like mango or apricot for a different twist on the sweet and sour sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If reheating on the stovetop, add a little water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen ones?

Yes, you can use fresh homemade meatballs, but make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftover sweet and sour meatballs for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare everything in the slow cooker ahead of time, refrigerate it, and then cook it when you’re ready to eat. You can also cook it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

Yes, reduced-sodium soy sauce is a great option to lower the sodium content, and it will still give the dish plenty of flavor.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply increase the amount of cornstarch in the slurry or allow the sauce to cook longer until it thickens.

Can I substitute the rice vinegar?

If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I make this without the cornstarch slurry?

If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can skip the cornstarch slurry, and the sauce will remain thinner but still delicious.

Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the meatballs and sauce in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the meatballs are heated through.

What can I serve this dish with?

Sweet and sour meatballs are great served over steamed rice, egg noodles, or even quinoa. You can also pair them with a simple vegetable stir-fry for a complete meal.

Can I use other types of meatballs?

Absolutely! You can use turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meatballs as a substitute for the homestyle beef meatballs.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe is a flavorful, fuss-free dish that’s perfect for busy days or casual get-togethers. The combination of tender meatballs and a tangy, sweet sauce will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work, making it a hands-off, delicious meal that’s sure to please your family or guests.

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