why make this recipe
This dish is tasty and easy. It uses frozen meatballs and a bottle of sauce. You can set the slow cooker and forget it. If you like simple slow cooker meals, see this sweet potato bowl recipes page for more easy ideas.
introduction
Sweet Sour Meatballs are sweet, tangy, and soft. They cook in the slow cooker with pineapple and bell peppers. This recipe needs little work and feeds many people. For more simple dinner ideas like this, check this slow cooker meals resource.
how to make Sweet Sour Meatballs
- Put frozen meatballs in the slow cooker. Do not thaw them.
- Add the pineapple with its juice, then add bell peppers and onion.
- Whisk together the sweet and sour sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a bowl.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs and vegetables. Stir gently to mix.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours. Cook until the vegetables are soft and meatballs are hot.
- Mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the cooker. Cook 15–20 more minutes on HIGH until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot. This is a good easy weeknight idea for busy nights.
Ingredients :
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen fully-cooked meatballs
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks in juice, undrained
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 (12 oz) bottle sweet and sour sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Directions :
- Take your frozen meatballs and dump them right into your slow cooker. No need to thaw them.
- Pour in the entire can of pineapple chunks with juice. Add the chopped bell peppers and onion on top.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweet and sour sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar until smooth.
- Pour the sauce mixture over everything in the crockpot and stir gently.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours until veggies are tender and meatballs are heated through.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry and stir into the crockpot. Cook for another 15-20 minutes on HIGH until sauce is thickened.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot over rice or as an appetizer.
how to serve Sweet Sour Meatballs
Serve these meatballs hot over steamed white or brown rice. You can also serve them with noodles or in slider buns as an appetizer. Try to keep the sauce over the meatballs and rice to add flavor. If you want a side idea, try this serve with rice suggestion for pairing.
how to store Sweet Sour Meatballs
Cool the meatballs to room temperature. Put them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. Reheat gently on low in the slow cooker or in the microwave.
tips to make Sweet Sour Meatballs
- Use frozen fully cooked meatballs for the least work.
- Cut peppers and onion to similar sizes so they cook evenly.
- Stir the sauce before pouring to mix the sugar.
- Add the cornstarch slurry slowly and watch the sauce to avoid over-thickening. For more meal prep tips, read simple guides online.
- If you like more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
variation (if any)
- Add pineapple chunks fresh instead of canned for a fresher taste.
- Use teriyaki sauce instead of sweet and sour for a different flavor.
- Add sliced carrots or snap peas for more vegetables.
- Make mini meatball skewers as an appetizer.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh meatballs?
A: Yes. If you use raw fresh meatballs, cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours until they are cooked through.
Q: Can I make this on the stove?
A: Yes. Cook the meatballs and vegetables in a pan, add sauce, and simmer until the sauce thickens.
Q: Is this freezer friendly?
A: Yes. Cool fully, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating.
Q: Can I skip the brown sugar?
A: You can reduce the brown sugar, but it will be less sweet. Taste the sauce before cooking and adjust to your liking.
Sweet Sour Meatballs
Ingredients
Method
- Put frozen meatballs in the slow cooker. Do not thaw them.
- Add the pineapple with its juice, then add bell peppers and onion.
- Whisk together the sweet and sour sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a bowl.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs and vegetables. Stir gently to mix.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours until vegetables are soft and meatballs are heated through.
- Mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the cooker.
- Cook for an additional 15–20 minutes on HIGH until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot over rice or as an appetizer.