Description
These Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a delightful combination of tender meatballs simmered in a tangy and flavorful homemade sweet and sour sauce with pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and onions. Perfect for an easy slow cooker meal that bursts with vibrant flavors and a perfect balance of sweet and tangy taste.
Ingredients
Meatballs and Vegetables
- 36 ounce bag frozen meatballs
- 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
Sweet and Sour 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
Instructions
- Add Meatballs to Slow Cooker: Place the frozen meatballs in the crockpot or slow cooker, spreading them evenly across the base.
- Add Pineapple and Vegetables: Drain the pineapple chunks and reserve the juice in a bowl. Add the drained pineapple chunks, red and green bell pepper pieces, and onion chunks on top of the meatballs.
- Prepare Sweet and Sour Sauce: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the reserved pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, granulated sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Whisk together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Combine Sauce with Meatballs: Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce evenly over the meatballs and vegetables in the slow cooker, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Slow Cook the Dish: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 3 to 5 hours. Stir the mixture approximately halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and sauce thickening. The meatballs should be heated all the way through and the sauce should thicken to a glossy consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Once cooked, sprinkle sliced green onions over the top for a fresh, mild onion flavor. Serve the sweet and sour meatballs hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For thicker sauce, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- Adjust sugar quantities if you prefer less sweetness.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Can be served over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American-Chinese
