Sweet and Sour Meatballs Slow Cooker
Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a delicious and easy dish that is perfect for any occasion. Made with tender meatballs coated in a tangy sauce, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. The use of a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, making it great for busy days or gatherings.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is not only simple, but it also combines all the flavors you love. The sweetness of grape jelly and the tang of chili sauce blend perfectly to create a mouthwatering dish. Plus, it’s a hit with both kids and adults, making it a fantastic choice for family dinners, parties, or potlucks. Also, using the slow cooker means you can save time and effort, while still serving a hearty meal.
How to Make Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Making Sweet and Sour Meatballs in a slow cooker is very easy. Here’s what you need to do:
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (90 percent lean recommended)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion (finely diced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 ounce bottle chili sauce (Heinz brand recommended)
- 1 1/2 cups grape jelly
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- Cooking spray
Directions
- Preheat the broiler and line a sheet pan with foil. Coat the foil with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until just blended.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in size (you should get about 32 meatballs). Place them on the prepared sheet pan, making sure to leave space between each one.
- Broil the meatballs for 8-10 minutes until they are golden brown.
- While the meatballs are cooking, melt the grape jelly in the microwave or a saucepan until smooth. Then, whisk in the chili sauce until well combined.
- Spray the slow cooker with cooking spray. Once the meatballs are browned, add them to the slow cooker and pour the sauce over the top, tossing to coat.
- Cook on low for 3 hours until the meatballs are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Before serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley.
How to Serve Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Sweet and Sour Meatballs can be served on their own or over a bed of rice or noodles. They make a great appetizer served with toothpicks or can be enjoyed as a main dish. Pair them with your favorite veggies or a simple salad to complete the meal.
How to Store Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Leftover Sweet and Sour Meatballs should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best eaten within 3-4 days. You can also freeze the meatballs for later. Just place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be thawed in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make Sweet and Sour Meatballs
- Use lean ground beef to keep the meatballs from being too greasy.
- For extra flavor, you can add finely chopped bell peppers or green onions to the meatball mixture.
- You can adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce by adding more or less grape jelly or chili sauce, depending on your taste.
Variation
For a different twist, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also add in some crushed pineapple for an extra fruity sweetness.
FAQs
1. Can I make Sweet and Sour Meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook them.
2. Can I cook Sweet and Sour Meatballs on high in the slow cooker?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can cook the meatballs on high for about 1.5 to 2 hours, but cooking on low is the best way to ensure they come out tender.
3. What can I serve with Sweet and Sour Meatballs?
They are delicious served with rice, noodles, or as part of a sandwich. You can also pair them with vegetables or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
