Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

Name: Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 490 min
Ingredients: 10 ounces sweet and sour sauce (1 bottle); ¼ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup soy sauce; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 2 pounds frozen meatballs; 1 red bell pepper (medium, cubed); 1 green bell pepper (medium, cubed); 1 onion (medium, diced); 20 ounces pineapple chunks (1 can, drained)

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8 hrs 10 mins

51 Comments

5 from 3 votes

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This slow cooker sweet and sour meatball recipe is such an easy family dinner recipe. But just because it is an easy slow cooker recipe does not mean that it is lacking in flavor! It is a must try recipe.

I love this delicious slow cooker sweet and sour meatballs recipe. I use it on those nights where I either don’t have time to cook, or simply just don’t feel like it.

Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs in a serving dish with toothpicks

But with this frozen meatball recipe, you wouldn’t even know that it is a matter of dumping the ingredients in and letting the slow cooker do it’s thing. The flavor you get with this easy recipe is amazing.

Plus, it is a super budget-friendly dinner recipe that you can pull out when you need something easy and on the cheaper side. So, make sure you add this to your dinner menu this week. It also makes for a delicious appetiezer too!

You can serve these delicious meatballs with some white rice, oven roasted green beans, 30 minute dinner rolls, and a fresh cobb salad to have an amazing and super filling dinner.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Ingredients You’ll Need For Our Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs:

Sweet and sour sauce
Brown sugar
Soy sauce
Garlic powder
Frozen meatballs
Red bell pepper
Green bell pepper
Onion
Pineapple chunks

How To Make Our Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs:

Begin by getting out your slow cooker and spraying it down with nonstick cooking spray. Or make this recipe even easier (especially for clean up) by using a slow cooker liner!

Slow cooker with meatballs and sweet and sour sauce

Then pour the sweet and sour sauce (the whole bottle) into the slow cooker, along with the brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder and then mix it all up.

Now add in the frozen meatballs, cubed red bell pepper, cubed green bell pepper, diced onion, and drained can of pineapple chunks.

Meatballs, peppers, pineapple and sauce in the slow cooker

Stir everything together once more.

Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs in slow cooker with lid on

Now place the lid on the slow cooker and turn it on low and allow the meatballs to cook for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.

Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs in the slow cooker

When there is about 20-30 minutes left in the cooking time, make your favorite rice according to the package. (Instant rice is always a great option!)

Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs on a plate with toothpicks

Then just serve the sweet and sour meatballs over rice and enjoy!

To Make This Budget-Friendly Dinner You Will Need:

Slow cooker (THIS is a great one!)
Nonstick cooking spray
Can opener

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Fresh or Frozen Meatballs

In this recipe we use frozen meatballs. There are a few kinds you can use. There are turkey meatballs if you’d like to make these a little healthier.

You can also use Swedish meatballs or Italian meatballs, it just depends on your preference. Either way this recipe will taste amazing with any of them!

You can also make your own homemade meatballs if you want too! If you want to go that route, try Gimme Some Oven’s meatball recipe in place of the frozen meatballs. Just be sure to cut down on the time if you don’t freeze the meatballs beforehand.

Try This Easy Slow Cooker Recipe as an Appetizer!

While this recipe makes for a wonderful and easy dinner, it can also be served as a tasty appetizer! Make them up and serve them in either the slow cooker, or a cute serving dish with toothpicks.

Want More Easy Dinner Ideas?

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Enjoy These Easy Meatball Recipes Too!

Serves: 8

Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

5 from 3 votes

This slow cooker sweet and sour meatball recipe is such an easy family dinner recipe. It is a must try recipe.

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 8 hrs

Total Time 8 hrs 10 mins

Print Pin

Ingredients

10 ounces sweet and sour sauce 1 bottle
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup soy sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 pounds frozen meatballs
1 red bell pepper medium, cubed
1 green bell pepper medium, cubed
1 onion medium, diced
20 ounces pineapple chunks 1 can, drained

Instructions

Spray inside of slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
Place all ingredients inside the slow cooker and stir gently.
Place lid on slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
Serve over rice as a main dish or serve with toothpicks for a yummy appetizer.

Notes

Make it simple using frozen store bought meatballs.
Use a slow cooker liner to make clean up a breeze.
You can use instant rice for an even easier option when making these slow cooker sweet and sour meatballs as a main dish.
Serve from the slow cooker as an appetizer or from a serving dish.

To make this a freezer meal:

In a gallon-sized freezer meal bag, add all ingredients. Squeeze out as much air as possible and seal bag closed. Place freezer bag into freezer and it will last 60-90 days. When ready to use, spray inside of slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray and dump ingredients from bag into slow cooker. Place lid on top and set timer for 3-5 hours on LOW heat or 1-2 hours on HIGH heat or until meatballs are warmed through. Follow the rest of the instructions as written.

Nutrition

Calories: 385 kcal · Carbohydrates: 21 g · Protein: 21 g · Fat: 24 g · Saturated Fat: 9 g · Cholesterol: 82 mg · Sodium: 473 mg · Potassium: 518 mg · Fiber: 2 g · Sugar: 18 g · Vitamin A: 564 IU · Vitamin C: 39 mg · Calcium: 40 mg · Iron: 2 mg

Equipment

Slow Cooker
Non-stick Cooking Spray
Can Opener

Recipe Details

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

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Questions & Reviews

Kym says:

Oh YUM! I love sweet and sour meatballs! I usually skip on the peppers and onions because my husband is "allergic" ... I also use a similar recipe for sweet and sour kielbasa! Delish!
Heather says:

We're making the classic southern grape jelly meatballs today. Your sweet and sour recipe looks delish!
Betsy says:

Sounds yummy! Can't wait to try it.
Meghan says:

Oh I am so making this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sinea says:

This recipe is great. Love anything "sweet n sour". Slow cooker makes it even better!

Sinea from Ducks ?n a Row
OneSpecialDeeDee says:

what type of meatball did you use? I have frozen swedish ones would those work in this dish?

Thanks'Diane
Rachel O. says:

Oh man, it's all about the food for me, too! It's the best part of football :)
Six Sisters says:

Frozen Swedish meatballs are perfect! We've used Swedish meatballs and the Italian meatballs. Both are great! -The Six Sisters
OneSpecialDeeDee says:

YUMMY thanks so much cannot wait to try these this coming weekend!!!'
Diane
PS Love love love your site!!!
Cindy Hunwhatsfordinner says:

Wow these meatballs look fantastic! Thank you so much for linking up to Simple Supper Tuesday!
Katherines Corner says:

sweet and savory yumminess Thank you for sharing at the hop xo
Blissful Kids says:

These meatball are so awesome~* I mixed regular and italian to see what I liked best. I thought regular was way better. Next time, I will serve the rice separately and make vege rolls. Thanks for this awesome recipe. I love your website!
Dara says:

This comment has been removed by the author.
MissCandiquik says:

Definitely pinning these for the future! :)
Meagan says:

Hi, I'm thinking of making this recipe to take over to my friend's house (she just had her 5th baby). Could you use homemade meatballs that are cooked and then frozen?
Charlotte says:

I always make homemade meatballs and freeze for later use in a slow cooker...They are VERY versatile!!! I cooked and then froze 14 lbs meatballs before school started for LOTS of quick meals!!! Just put in slow cooker with whatever sauce/gravy you want and serve with rice, pasta, or on toasted hoagie buns!
Carolyn says:

My family really loved this meal. Will put the bell pepper and onion in half way thru cooking next time. I used frozen turkey meatballs and they were great! Super easy and good. Thank you!!
deborah says:

I looking to make this for an appetizer for our pre wedding bbq. i'm doing a test run this weekend on the recipe. I was wondering how many people this fed as i'm not good at double recipes. for some reason it just never turns out. is there anyway you can help so I don't mess up the recipe when I make a bigger batch. i'm having about 12-16 people.
deborah says:

how come you are putting the bell peppers and onion in half way? were they do soft putting them in at the beginning?
Cyd says:

You can put them in during the beginning also.
Cyd says:

Hi Deborah, Just click on the MAGIC button under the picture and then click on NUTRITION. It will give you the servings and all nutritional info on this recipe. You may want to get more than one crock pot going if you are going to double or triple the batch. Should feed around 6. The MAGIC button takes you to our new sister site - MyRecipeMagic.com. So many fun recipes. Be sure to stop by when you are looking for a recipe. Hope this helps and best of luck on your pre-wedding BBQ. Sounds so fun!! -The Six Sisters
Lindsey says:

I featured this recipe on my blog, goodjujublog.blogspot.com I CAN NOT wait to try it. I have been loving my slow cooker, so this is perfect!
Jeneese says:

I'm definitely trying this. I use to make thes all the time in the Wok when I was a kid and into early adult. But one moving day we lost the whole thing some how. But I love my slow cooker. My question is that I have 3 lbs of meatballsb and your recipe calls for 2 lbs . What would be a good adjustment to the ingredients so it's just right? Thank you for your help. I'm tring this out for this weekends halloween party. This will be a life saver.
Cyd says:

Just 1 1/2 the recipe and it will work great.
Sandy says:

Can you use Turkey meatballs for this? Doing a potluck at work and some don't eat beef but the recipe looks good.
Cyd says:

Turkey meatballs would be delicious!! :)
Kaitlyn says:

Where did you find the jar of sweet and sour sauce? And what brand is it? You don't make the sauce homemade?
Cyd says:

We use all kinds of sweet and sour sauce. We like to keep things simple and just used store bought sweet and sour sauce! :)
Lauren says:

Hello, I thought I read somewhere that it's not safe to cook frozen food in a slow cooker. What are your thoughts? Are there certain foods that are safer than other to cook while still frozen?
Cyd says:

Frozen meatballs and some chicken breasts seem to do fine. We have heard that controversy too. Not sure what to believe. So far we have not had any problems.
barbara says:

The sauce was okay, tasty, but it was too thin. Had to add flour to get sauce to a good consistency to stick to meat.
Johnetta G says:

I usually throw in a jar or 2 of drained button mushrooms for the last 1 1/2 hour cooking time (on low)
Nae says:

Do the meatballs have to be frozen? We have a ton of ground elk meat that i would love to make meatballs with but i'd have to thaw and roll them myself. What would the cook time be for non-frozen meatballs?
Cyd says:

You could make your own meatballs. Just need to be sure they hold their shape after being cooked and when stirred occasionally that they won't break apart. This recipe really just needs to be heated through and have the peppers and onion cooked to your liking. You should be fine with the cooking times, but check on it every now and then to be sure it's not overcooked.
cleeo2 says:

I am not very confident with my Crock-Pot and am never sure to cook things on high or low. Did you find better results at one of the temperatures? I am thinking of serving these for a party so I would like to time them right. I would want the vegetables cooked, but not mushy and the meatballs hot(I believe they are already pre-cooked)?
Cyd says:

We put what temperature setting and length of time on our recipes! You should be fine to follow those instructions.
serita says:

I made this and it was enjoyed by several different people. I did have to add cornstarch to the juices to thicken...it was a little too thin. I t was served over rice.
Lynne G. says:

After cooking in crock pot, can this be put in containers and frozen?
Cyd says:

This is a great recipe to freeze any leftovers.
Shelly says:

My whole family loves this recipe! Second time in a week😁😁😁
bonnie says:

Hi, I was wondering if it is because you are using a "pot" and not a crockpot that you poured the whole can of pineapple into it? The recipe says drained. Thanks
Doreta says:

We made your Sweet and Sour Meatball recipe in the Instant Pot for dinner tonight. Got the recipe from your YouTube video. It says to use the can of pineapple - and NOT to drain it but still add 1/2 cup water. Although it smelled GREAT, we found it REALLY runny....way too much liquid. Next time can we NOT put in the 1/2 cup of water ??
Stacy says:

I made the Instant Pot version of this tonight for dinner. I thought it turned out really yummy. My son loved it too.
Moriaelini says:

Because my family is not too keen on all the peppers and onions, I added a bag of frozen stir fry veg to it instead. Was a great way to use up some leftover rice.
Moriaelini says:

I found in runny in the instant pot too, so I just kicked on the saute and added a cornstarch slurry to mine to thicken it.
Teresa Lusk says:

Made this tonight and we loved it! My hubs said he wanted me to add it to m list of frequent meals.
Momma Cyd says:

Yes! We are so glad he liked it!!
Terri Moore says:

Made this for dinner tonight and it was a hit!
Kathleen West says:

Made this recipe for dinner last night. At first I was concerned the sauce to runny, but once added on top of rice it seems to actually thicken up. This is a winner which hubby and I enjoyed. Have enough let over for one more dinner.
Madalynn Hayes says:

I love your recipes so much. I enjoy making freezer meals because they save me so much time on workdays. I was wondering if this could be cooked in the Instant Pot.
Momma Cyd says:

https://www.sixsistersstuff.com/recipe/instant-pot-sweet-and-sour-meatballs-recipe/

Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need For Our Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs:

How To Make Our Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs:

To Make This Budget-Friendly Dinner You Will Need:

“I have so much time!” -No mom ever

Fresh or Frozen Meatballs

Try This Easy Slow Cooker Recipe as an Appetizer!

Want More Easy Dinner Ideas?

Enjoy These Easy Meatball Recipes Too!