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Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

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4.1 from 15 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

This Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe offers a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for busy days. Tender frozen meatballs are cooked slowly with a tangy and sweet pineapple-based sauce combined with colorful bell peppers and onions, creating a satisfying meal or appetizer with minimal effort. The slow cooking melds the flavors beautifully and makes the meatballs tender and juicy.

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 36 ounce bag frozen meatballs

Vegetables and Fruit

  • 20 ounce can pineapple chunks (reserve the juice for the sauce)
  • 1 small red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 small green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 small onion, cut into 1-inch chunks

Sauce

  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Garnish

  • Sliced green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crockpot: Place the frozen meatballs into the crockpot evenly to create the base layer for the dish.
  2. Add Vegetables and Pineapple: Top the meatballs with pineapple chunks along with chopped red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion to add sweetness and color.
  3. Mix the Sauce: In a large measuring cup or bowl, combine the reserved pineapple juice with apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, granulated sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Whisk thoroughly until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs and vegetables in the crockpot. Stir gently to mix all ingredients ensuring they are evenly coated.
  5. Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid. Cook the mixture on LOW setting for 3 to 5 hours, stirring halfway through to promote even heating and thickening of the sauce. The meatballs should be heated through completely and the sauce should be thickened at the end.
  6. Garnish and Serve: When done, garnish the meatballs with freshly sliced green onions. Serve hot either as an appetizer on its own or as a hearty meal over steamed white rice. Enjoy the tangy and sweet flavors!

Notes

  • Use frozen meatballs straight from the freezer; no thawing required.
  • Stir halfway through cooking to ensure even sauce thickening and prevent sticking.
  • For a spicier variation, add a dash of red pepper flakes or hot sauce into the sauce mixture.
  • Can be served as a main dish over rice or noodles, or as a party appetizer with toothpicks.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in a microwave or stovetop.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/crock-pot-sweet-and-sour-meatballs-recipe/