Sweet & Sour Meatballs Are a favorite!
Do you shy away from meatball recipes thinking they might be too complicated or difficult?
The first time we cooked with pre-made frozen meatballs, there was no turning back. Most store-bought meatballs have been precooked and come in many varieties and flavors that are delicious.
The easiness of these slow cooker sweet and sour meatballs makes them a highly favored dinner on our meal rotation.
Store bought meatballs vs Homemade meatballs
Store bought frozen meatballs have come a long way. And this recipe will work great with any brand you find. Turkey meatballs are a great choice when looking for a healthier option.
Swedish meatballs and Italian meatballs are found in most grocery stores in the frozen food section. We have used all of the meatballs listed and the recipe tastes amazing with every one of them.
Homemade meatballs are always a win with any recipe. It will take a little more effort on your part, but the taste is great. We love our homemade turkey meatball recipe.
What is the best Sweet and Sour Sauce?
For this recipe, it calls for a 10-ounce bottle of sweet and sour sauce. We are often asked what brand of sweet and sour sauce we prefer.
We have used so many brands of sweet and sour sauce in our recipes. We are all about a bargain, so often we’ll purchase the sweet and sour sauce that is on sale. Many times the store brand is the least expensive – and the recipe will turn out amazing.
So don’t stress over which sweet and sour sauce is best. The flavors all come together with these slow cooker sweet and sour meatballs, and they will knock your socks off.
Instant Pot Meatballs
This recipe is SO easy to make in the Instant Pot too. Just add 1/2 cup of water to the ingredients and cook it on manual for 7 minutes.
Do a quick release when you are done! (You can see me making this recipe in the Instant Pot in the video below along with 3 other delicious meatball recipes.
Do I choose High or Low Temp on my slow cooker?
Slow Cookers are one of the most “user-friendly” cooking methods around. With this recipe, you add everything to the slow cooker and leave it alone for the rest of the day. We like to use a 6 quart or 7 quart slow cooker for this recipe.
We have always been a believer of the low and slow method when cooking with a slow cooker. But life can get busy and time does not always permit you to cook it on low, so don’t hesitate to use the high temperature. With these slow cooker sweet and sour meatballs, both the high or low temp will give you the same amazing results.
Slow cookers vary slightly in temperature with each brand. Generally speaking, the slow cooker Low setting is equal to about 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and the High setting is equal to about 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sweet and Sour Meatballs – Main Dish or Appetizer?
These Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs can easily double as a main dish and appetizer. If serving it as a main dish, we love to serve it over a bed of cooked rice.
If using this as an appetizer for a party, serve with some toothpicks. They can be served directly out of your slow cooker. You could also put them in a nice serving dish and let your guests serve themselves.
RELATED RECIPE: BE SURE TO TRY ANOTHER DELICIOUS MEATBALL RECIPE – HONEY GARLIC GLAZED TURKEY MEATBALLS. PERFECT AS AN APPETIZER OR A MEAL.
How to Make Sweet and Sour Meatballs IN CROCKPOT
Spray your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. In your slow cooker add the sweet and sour sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Stir together until well blended.
Then add in your frozen meatballs and stir until they are all covered in the sauce. Add in the peppers, diced onion, and drained pineapple chunks. Stir into the meatballs.
Cook on low for 7-8 hours, or high for 4-5 hours. Serve over cooked rice, or as an appetizer with toothpicks.
Helpful tips for how to make Sweet and Sour Meatballs in crockpot
- Use a slow cooker liner to make clean up a breeze. You’ll be surprised at how easy they are to use.
- Make it simple using frozen store bought meatballs. The meatballs do not need to be thawed first. Just throw them in your slow cooker while still frozen.
- 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.
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Side dishes for slow cooker sweet and sour meatballs:
- 30 Minute Rolls
- 7 Layer Green Salad
- 5 Minute JELLO Salad
- Balsamic Green Beans and Mushrooms
- Orange Pineapple Fruit Dip
Serves: 8
Save RecipeIngredients
- 1 (10 ounce) bottle sweet and sour sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 pounds frozen meatballs
- 1 medium red bell pepper (cubed)
- 1 medium green bell pepper (cubed)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks (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.
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Thanks'Diane
Diane
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