Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 89 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe combines tender frozen meatballs with a tangy homemade sauce featuring pineapple chunks, honey, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and ketchup. Slow-cooked to perfection, the meatballs are coated in a luscious sauce thickened with cornstarch, making a perfect, easy-to-prepare weeknight meal. Garnished with fresh green onions and served over steamed white rice, this dish offers a deliciously balanced sweet and savory flavor that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet and Sour Sauce

  • 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks in 100% juice (do not drain)
  • ½ cup honey
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup

Meatballs

  • 1 (32 oz) bag frozen homestyle meatballs

Thickening Mixture

  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Garnish (Optional)

  • Sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: Spray the slow cooker insert with nonstick cooking spray. Add the canned pineapple chunks with their juice (do not drain), honey, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and ketchup into the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly until all the sauce ingredients are well combined.
  2. Add Meatballs: Place the frozen homestyle meatballs into the slow cooker. Stir carefully to ensure all meatballs are evenly coated with the sweet and sour sauce mixture.
  3. Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW heat for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the meatballs to cook through and absorb the flavors.
  4. Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the water and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the crockpot and stir gently. Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the sauce, turning the heat to HIGH if a quicker thickening is desired.
  5. Serve: Once the sauce has thickened and the meatballs are fully cooked, sprinkle sliced green onions on top for garnish if desired. Serve the sweet and sour meatballs hot over a bed of cooked white rice.

Notes

  • Do not drain the pineapple chunks as the juice adds essential flavor to the sauce.
  • Use frozen meatballs; no need to thaw before adding to the slow cooker.
  • If sauce is not thick enough after the additional 30 minutes, mix another tablespoon of cornstarch with water and add to the crockpot, cooking on HIGH for 10-15 more minutes.
  • Adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding more honey or vinegar according to taste.
  • Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://quickmealideasnow.com/crockpot-sweet-and-sour-meatballs-recipe/