Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience with our Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs. This delightful dish combines the savory goodness of meatballs with the tangy sweetness of pineapple and bell peppers, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, preparing a weeknight dinner, or looking for a dish to impress your guests, these meatballs are sure to be a hit!

Imagine coming home after a long day to the inviting aroma of sweet and sour meatballs wafting through your kitchen. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the convenience of a slow cooker, allowing you to set it and forget it while you go about your day. Plus, this dish pairs beautifully with rice or noodles, making it a versatile option for any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the deliciousness of Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs. Here are a few reasons why this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household:

• Effortless Preparation: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Simply throw everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic!
• Kid-Friendly Flavor: The sweet and tangy flavors of the sauce, combined with tender meatballs, make this dish appealing to kids and adults alike. It’s a meal that the whole family can enjoy!
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out the vegetables or adjust the sweetness to your liking. This recipe is versatile and can easily be adapted to suit your preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. The flavors deepen and improve after a day in the fridge, making this an ideal meal prep option.
• Great for Entertaining: Serve these meatballs at your next gathering, and watch them disappear! They make for a perfect appetizer or main dish.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy to prepare, delicious to eat, and sure to impress your guests, then look no further than our Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs. Here’s why you should give this recipe a go:

• Flavor Profile: The combination of sweet and sour flavors, along with the savory meatballs, creates a delightful taste sensation that keeps you coming back for more.
• Healthier Alternative: Using frozen meatballs and fresh vegetables allows you to enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, you can easily add more veggies to boost the nutritional content!
• Time-Saving: This recipe requires no complicated cooking techniques, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Simply mix, pour, and cook!
• Family-Friendly: With its delicious flavors and appealing presentation, this dish is perfect for families. Serve it over rice or noodles for a filling meal that even picky eaters will love.
• Easy Cleanup: Cooking in a slow cooker means less mess in the kitchen. Just one pot to clean up afterward!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients

To make your Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound frozen meatballs
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (with juice)
• 1 cup bell pepper, chopped (red or green)
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup sweet and sour sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch, if using)
• Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

Recommended Utensils

To successfully prepare this dish, you will need the following utensils:

• Slow cooker
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Cooking spray or oil for greasing
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Serving dish for plating

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have all your ingredients and utensils ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process for preparing your Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs.

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Begin by spraying the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking. This will ensure that your meatballs don’t stick to the bottom during cooking.
2. Add the Meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs in the bottom of the slow cooker. No need to thaw them beforehand; they will cook perfectly from frozen.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the pineapple chunks (with juice), chopped bell pepper, chopped onion, sweet and sour sauce, and soy sauce. Stir until well combined. This mixture will create a flavorful sauce that complements the meatballs beautifully.
4. Pour the Mixture: Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker, ensuring that all meatballs are covered. This is crucial for even cooking and flavor distribution.
5. Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The meatballs should be heated through, and the vegetables tender. If you’re in a hurry, the high setting works just as well!
6. Optional Thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with the water in a small bowl to create a slurry. About 30 minutes before serving, stir the slurry into the slow cooker and let it cook for the remaining time to thicken the sauce.
7. Serve: Once the cooking time is complete, stir the meatballs gently and serve them over your choice of cooked rice or noodles. Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs!

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs is a dish that combines convenience, flavor, and versatility, making it an essential recipe for any home cook. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can create a meal that the whole family will love. We invite you to try this recipe, share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family!

For more delicious recipes, check out our Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and Crock Pot Chicken and Rice. You can also find inspiration on our Pinterest page!

Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs

These Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a deliciously easy meal, combining tender meatballs with a tangy sauce and vibrant vegetables.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring Cups
• Spoon

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound Frozen meatballs
• 1 cup Pineapple chunks (with juice)
• 1 cup Bell pepper, chopped Red or green
• 1 cup Onion, chopped
• 1 cup Sweet and sour sauce
• 1 tablespoon Soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons Water (for cornstarch, if using)
• as needed Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
• Add the Meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, mix together the pineapple chunks (with juice), chopped bell pepper, chopped onion, sweet and sour sauce, and soy sauce. Stir until well combined.
• Pour the Mixture: Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker, ensuring that all meatballs are covered.
• Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The meatballs should be heated through and the vegetables tender.
• Optional Thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with the water in a small bowl to create a slurry. About 30 minutes before serving, stir the slurry into the slow cooker and let it cook for the remaining time to thicken the sauce.
• Serve: Once the cooking time is complete, stir the meatballs gently and serve them over cooked rice or noodles. Enjoy your delicious slow cooker sweet and sour meatballs!

Notes

For added flavor, you can include diced pineapple or additional vegetables like broccoli or snap peas.

Keyword delicious, easy, meatballs, quick, slow cooker