Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe offers a deliciously easy way to enjoy a classic favorite with minimal effort. Tender meatballs simmer in a vibrant sauce made from pineapple, honey, and soy sauce, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks in 100% juice (do not drain)
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen homestyle meatballs
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Sliced green onions (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Spray the slow cooker insert with nonstick cooking spray. Add the pineapple chunks with the juice, honey, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and ketchup into the slow cooker. Stir until well combined.
2. Step 2: Add the frozen meatballs to the slow cooker and stir to coat them evenly with the sauce.
3. Step 3: Cover with the lid and cook on LOW heat for 4 to 6 hours.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together water and cornstarch until smooth. Pour the mixture into the crockpot, stir, and let cook for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the sauce. If needed, turn the heat to HIGH to speed up thickening.
5. Step 5: Garnish the meatballs with sliced green onions if desired, and serve over cooked white rice.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add minced garlic or ginger to the sauce before cooking.
• Use turkey or chicken meatballs as a lighter alternative.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha.
• Leftover sauce can be mixed with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to maintain sauce consistency. Avoid cooking the meatballs for too long to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh meatballs can be used. However, adjust the cooking time as fresh meatballs may cook faster. Ensure they reach the proper internal temperature before serving.

Is it necessary to add cornstarch for thickening?

While the cornstarch helps thicken the sauce for a glossy finish, you can skip this step if you prefer a thinner sauce. Alternatively, simmer the sauce longer with the lid off to reduce it.

Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 130 reviews

This Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe combines tender frozen homestyle meatballs with a tangy and sweet pineapple sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection, the meatballs absorb the flavors of honey, soy sauce, and rice wine vinegar, then are thickened with a cornstarch slurry for a rich, glossy finish. A perfect, hands-off meal served over white rice and garnished with fresh green onions for an easy family dinner or party appetizer.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours on LOW + 30 minutes thickening
• Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes to 6 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American – Fusion

Ingredients

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Sauce and Meatballs

• 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks in 100% juice (do not drain)
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen homestyle meatballs

Thickener

• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Garnish

• Sliced green onions (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare Slow Cooker
   Spray the slow cooker insert with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Combine Sauce Ingredients
   In the slow cooker, add the canned pineapple chunks along with their juice (do not drain), honey, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and ketchup. Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined to form the sweet and sour sauce base.
3. Add Meatballs
   Place the frozen homestyle meatballs into the slow cooker with the sauce. Stir gently to ensure all the meatballs are coated with the sauce.
4. Cook on Low
   Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW heat for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the meatballs to heat through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
5. Prepare Thickening Slurry
   In a small bowl, whisk together the water and cornstarch until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
6. Thicken Sauce
   Pour the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot and stir gently. Cook for an additional 30 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken. If a quicker thickening is desired, increase the heat to HIGH temporarily until the sauce reaches the preferred consistency.
7. Serve
   Once the sauce is thick and glossy, sprinkle the meatballs with sliced green onions if using. Serve the sweet and sour meatballs over a bed of cooked white rice for a complete meal.

Notes

• Do not drain the pineapple juice, as it adds essential sweetness and flavor to the sauce.
• You can substitute the frozen homestyle meatballs with homemade or pre-cooked meatballs if preferred.
• Adjust cooking time based on your slow cooker model, as temperatures may vary.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture before cooking.
• Make sure to stir the cornstarch mixture well before adding to prevent lumps.

Keywords: sweet and sour meatballs, crockpot meatballs, slow cooker recipes, easy dinner, pineapple meatballs, party appetizer