Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Meatballs is a fun and easy dish that brings together the delicious flavors of sweet and tangy sauce with juicy meatballs. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a tasty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just set it in your crock pot and let it do the work for you!
Why Make This Recipe
Making Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Meatballs is a great idea for several reasons. First, it’s super simple with minimal prep time. Second, it’s a crowd-pleaser, which makes it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Lastly, everything cooks together in one pot, so you’ll have less mess to clean up!
How to Make Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1 pound frozen meatballs
- 1 can pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Directions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, cornstarch, and water to create the sweet and sour sauce.
- Place frozen meatballs, pineapple, and chopped bell pepper in a crock pot.
- Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the meatballs and vegetables.
- Stir to combine, then cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve warm.
How to Serve Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Meatballs are best served warm. They can be enjoyed on their own or over a bed of rice for a more filling meal. You can also serve them with side dishes like steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to complete your meal.
How to Store Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Leftover Sweet and Sour Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm them in a pot on the stove until heated thoroughly. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to three months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Tips to Make Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Meatballs
- Feel free to add other vegetables like onions or carrots for more flavor and nutrition.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can increase the amount of cornstarch or let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
- Use homemade meatballs if you like! Just be sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the crock pot.
Variation
You can switch up the flavor by using teriyaki sauce instead of the sweet and sour sauce for an Asian twist. You can also try adding other fruits, like diced mango or bell peppers of different colors, for a fun variety.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen ones?
A: Yes, you can use fresh meatballs. Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the crock pot.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure your crock pot is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: This recipe is not spicy at all! It’s sweet and tangy. If you like it spicy, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Ingredients
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen meatballs Feel free to use homemade meatballs that are fully cooked.
- 1 can pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 whole bell pepper, chopped You can use different colored bell peppers for variety.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, cornstarch, and water to create the sweet and sour sauce.
- Place frozen meatballs, pineapple, and chopped bell pepper in a crock pot.
- Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the meatballs and vegetables.
- Stir to combine, then cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve warm.
