Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a simple & easy slow cooker recipe perfect for the big game. Serve on a hoagie roll, over rice, or as an appetizer. Perfectly delicious!
Sweet and sour meatballs are a popular dish that consists of meatballs cooked in a tangy and sweet sauce. The meatballs are usually made from ground beef or pork, mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cooked Perfect® Meatballs for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
Are you ready for the big game? We sure are because we look forward to it all season long. We love putting out our favorite snack recipes to make the day great.
One of the most requested recipes each year is Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs.
Everyone loves this recipe because it is so versatile. I love it because it’s not only easy but amazingly delicious. I just toss everything in the cooker & let it do its thing until people get hungry.
The cool part is that everyone likes it a little differently. Some really pile them into a hoagie roll, others like to make a little rice bowl with some of these on top.
Then you have the big snackers that graze with the toothpicks all day long, grabbing one each & every time they pass by the cooker.
Game Day Recipes
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I always start with Cooked Perfect® Meatballs because they are so easy to prepare & are crafted with select meats, real cheeses & savory herbs.
They are flame-broiled to sear in the flavor, which makes it perfect for these type of recipes. You can find Cooked Perfect in your grocer’s freezer aisle. Look for great flavors like Italian Style, Homestyle & Chicken along with many others.
Common Questions about Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Can I use frozen meatballs in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs in a slow cooker. Just be sure to add some extra cooking time to make sure they are fully cooked.
Can I use other types of meat besides ground beef for slow-cooked meatballs?
Yes, you can use other types of ground meat such as turkey, chicken, or pork for slow-cooked meatballs. You can also try using a combination of different meats for added flavor.
Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Meatballs
- brown sugar
- vinegar
- cornstarch
- 1soy sauce
- garlic powder
- Cooked Perfect – frozen meatballs Angus Beef
- red or orange bell pepper cubed
- green or yellow bell pepper cubed
- onion cubed – white, yellow, or purple is fine
- fresh pineapple chunks or canned pineapple chunks drained with juice reserved for sauce
- pineapple juice -if not using canned pineapple
How long does it take to cook meatballs in a slow cooker?
It typically takes 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high to cook meatballs in a slow cooker. However, the exact cooking time will depend on the size of the meatballs and the heat settings of your slow cooker.
How can I prevent my meatballs from falling apart in the slow cooker?
To prevent meatballs from falling apart, make sure to mix the ingredients together thoroughly and don’t overwork the meat. It’s also a good idea to brown the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker, as this will help them hold their shape.
How to Make Sweet and Sour Meatballs in the Slow Cooker
- Spray the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place meatballs, bell peppers, onion & pineapple in the cooker & stir gently.
- Combine brown sugar, vinegar, cornstarch, soy sauce, garlic powder & pineapple juice in a bowl & whisk to combine.
- Add mixture to slow cooker – cover & cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
- Serve in a hoagie roll for game day, over rice as a main dish or with toothpicks for a yummy appetizer.
Storage
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Once you have finished cooking slow-cooked meatballs, allow them to cool down to room temperature. You can then store the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to store the meatballs for a longer period, you can freeze them. Place the cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. You can store frozen meatballs in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.
When you’re ready to reheat the meatballs, you can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until they’re heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the frozen meatballs in the microwave, although they may take longer to heat up.
More Awesome Meatball Recipes
20-Minute Pepper Jelly Meatballs
Slow Cooker Blueberry Honey Garlic Meatballs
Italian Wedding Soup with Pork Meatballs
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Oven-Baked Meatball Sandwiches
Can these be made in the air fryer?
Yes, they can! To make in the air fryer – use frozen meatballs and cook at 400 for 8-12 minutes. Combine the sauce ingredients in a small bowl, then toss the cooked meatballs in the sauce.
What to serve with sweet and sour meatballs
Sweet and sour meatballs can be served with a variety of sides to create a complete meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with sweet and sour meatballs:
- Rice: Sweet and sour meatballs pair well with white or brown rice. You can also try serving them with fried rice or quinoa for a healthier option.
- Vegetables: Steamed or stir-fried vegetables make a great side dish for sweet and sour meatballs. Broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and snow peas are all good options.
- Noodles: Sweet and sour meatballs can also be served over cooked noodles, such as egg noodles or spaghetti.
- Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing side dish that complements the sweet and sour flavors of the meatballs.
- Bread: Garlic bread or dinner rolls are a tasty addition to the meal and can be used to mop up any leftover sauce.
With these ideas, you can create a delicious and well-rounded meal with sweet and sour meatballs as the star of the show.
Tips For The Best Slow-Cooked Meatballs
Here are some tips for making the best-slow-cooked meatballs: (if you are not using pre-made frozen meatballs)
- Brown the meatballs first: Browning the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker can help to seal in the flavor and prevent them from falling apart.
- Use breadcrumbs: Adding breadcrumbs to the meat mixture can help to bind the ingredients together and make the meatballs more tender.
- Don’t overwork the meat: Overworking the meat mixture can make the meatballs tough and dry. Mix the ingredients together until just combined.
- Use a meat thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches at least 160°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Add flavor with herbs and spices: Adding herbs and spices to the meat mixture can help to enhance the flavor of the meatballs. Try using ingredients like garlic, onion, parsley, and basil.
- Let the meatballs cool down: After cooking, let the meatballs cool down for a few minutes before serving. This can help to keep them moist and juicy.
By following these tips, you can make the best slow-cooked meatballs that are flavorful, juicy, and tender.
Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need
Here are some kitchen supplies you’ll need for making slow-cooked meatballs:
- Slow cooker: A slow cooker is the most important kitchen supply you’ll need for making slow-cooked meatballs. Make sure you have a slow cooker that’s large enough to fit all the meatballs you’re planning to cook.
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need mixing bowls to combine the meatball ingredients and make the meatballs.
- Skillet: A skillet is useful for browning the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are necessary for measuring the ingredients accurately.
- Kitchen knife and cutting board: You’ll need a kitchen knife and cutting board to chop vegetables and herbs if using.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: A spatula or wooden spoon is useful for stirring the meatball mixture and flipping the meatballs in the skillet.
- Tongs: Tongs are useful for removing the meatballs from the skillet and transferring them to the slow cooker.
- Meat thermometer: A meat thermometer is important for checking the internal temperature of the meatballs to ensure they’re fully cooked.
- Serving dish: A serving dish is needed for serving the finished meatballs.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
There are several reasons why you should make sweet and sour meatballs:
- Delicious flavor: Sweet and sour meatballs have a tangy and sweet flavor that is both savory and satisfying. The meatballs are tender and juicy, and the sauce is sticky and flavorful.
- Easy to make: This recipe is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients. Simply mix the meatball ingredients together, brown them in a skillet, and add them to the slow cooker with the sauce. Let the slow cooker do the work, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.
- Perfect for entertaining: Sweet and sour meatballs are a great dish to serve at parties or gatherings. They can be made ahead of time and kept warm in the slow cooker, so you can enjoy the party with your guests.
- Versatile: Sweet and sour meatballs can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. They can be paired with rice, noodles, or vegetables, making them versatile and can be customized to your liking.
- Kid-friendly: Kids love the sweet and sour flavor of these meatballs, making them a great meal for families with children.
Overall, sweet and sour meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for entertaining or for a weeknight dinner.
Sweet and Sour Meatballs
If you are looking for a really great game day recipe to wow your crowd during the big game, this is one of the best & easiest around.
Check your freezer aisle for Cooked Perfect.
If you love this easy meatball recipe, you’re going to love these other awesome meatball recipes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
Slow Cooker Blueberry Honey Garlic Meatballs
20-Minute Pepper Jelly Meatballs
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Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2/3 cup vinegar
- 3 tbsp. cornstarch
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 lbs Cooked Perfect frozen meatballs Angus Beef
- 1 medium red or orange bell pepper cubed
- 1 medium green or yellow bell pepper cubed
- 1 medium onion cubed – white, yellow or purple is fine
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks or 1- 20 oz can pineapple chunks, drained with juice reserved for sauce
- 8 oz pineapple juice -if not using canned pineapple
Instructions
- Spray inside of slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place meatballs, bell peppers, onion & pineapple in the cooker & stir gently.
- Combine brown sugar, vinegar, cornstarch, soy sauce, garlic powder & pineapple juice in a bowl & whisk to combine.
- Add mixture to slow cooker – cover & cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
- Serve in a hoagie roll for game day, over rice as a main dish or with toothpicks for a yummy appetizer.
Notes
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Taste of the Frontier cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts as it has been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Tamar Strauss-Benjamin says
I haven’t tried enough sweet and sour dishes – sounds tasty!
Karli Ellis says
These look so so yummy!!
Leslie says
Mmmm. This sounds so yummy. I almost wish we hadn’t already figured out our game-day menu. Well, I’ll definitely be saving it for next time. Thanks so much for sharing at the #happynowlinkup!
Miz Helen says
This is a great recipe for Sweet and Sour Meatballs! Your post is awesome and thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen