Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep Time: These crockpot meatballs come together in just minutes before letting your slow cooker do all the work. Simply place frozen meatballs in the pot, mix up the sauce ingredients, and let it cook!
• Family Favorite: The sweet pineapple paired with the tangy sauce creates a flavor combination that the whole family will love. Even picky eaters won’t be able to resist these tender meatballs.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve these sweet and sour meatballs over white rice, cauliflower rice, or even as an easy appetizer for game day or holiday gatherings.
• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients like frozen meatballs, pineapple chunks, and bell peppers that you can grab at most grocery stores. The sauce comes together with pantry staples for a convenient meal solution.

Recipe Ingredients

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Ingredient Notes:

• Frozen Meatballs – Using store-bought frozen meatballs makes this recipe super quick and convenient. You can use Italian meatballs, homestyle meatballs, or turkey meatballs, depending on your personal preference.
• Pineapple Chunks – These add natural sweetness to the sauce. You can use canned pineapple chunks or pineapple tidbits, just be sure to reserve the pineapple juice for the sauce.
• Bell Peppers – A combination of green bell pepper and red bell pepper adds color, texture, and nutrition to the dish. The peppers stay slightly crisp when added during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Brown Sugar – This is a key ingredient for the sweet component of the sweet and sour sauce. It melts into the sauce, creating that perfect sticky glaze.
• Granulated Sugar – Used alongside brown sugar to balance the sweetness and help create that classic sweet and sour flavor.
• Soy Sauce – Provides a savory, umami flavor to balance the sweetness. You can use low sodium soy sauce if you prefer to control the salt level.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – This tangy ingredient brings the “sour” to the sweet and sour flavors. White vinegar can be substituted in a pinch.
• Ketchup – Adds color, thickness, and a touch of acidity to the sauce.
• Cornstarch – Used to thicken the sauce to that perfect, glossy consistency. It’s mixed directly with the other sauce ingredients.
• Onions – Cut into 1-inch chunks; these add flavor and texture to the dish. You can use yellow or white onions.
• Green Onions – Used as a fresh garnish before serving, adding color and a mild onion flavor.

Substitutions and Additions

• Homemade Meatballs – While frozen meatballs are convenient, you can make this with homemade meatballs using lean ground beef, ground turkey, or a mixture of both.
• Protein Options – Not a fan of beef? Try this sweet and sour sauce with chicken meatballs or even use the sauce recipe for a delicious sweet and sour chicken or sweet and sour pork dish.
• Extra Veggies – Add diced onions, sliced carrots, or water chestnuts for additional texture and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick – Include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for some heat if you prefer a spicy-sweet combination.
• Alternative Sweeteners – Replace brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs (step-by-step directions)

STEP 1. Add the frozen meatballs to your slow cooker. There’s no need to thaw them first. (Photo 1)

STEP 2. Top with pineapple chunks, diced bell peppers, and onions. (Photo 2)

STEP 3. In a large measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the juice from the pineapple can, brown sugar, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and cornstarch until well combined. (Photo 3)

STEP 4. Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs and vegetables in the crockpot.

STEP 5. Cover and cook on low heat for 3-5 hours or until the sauce has thickened and the meatballs are fully heated through.

STEP 6. Stir halfway through cooking time to ensure even heating.

STEP 7. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving. (Photo 4)

STEP 8. Serve hot over rice or as an appetizer with toothpicks.

Recipe Tips

• Slow Cooker Liner – Use a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup.
• Sauce Thickness – If you need to speed things up after the meatballs are fully heated, you can remove the lid and cook for 15-20 minutes on HIGH so the sauce thickens faster. Stir occasionally to make sure the sauce is not burning on the bottom.
• Even Cooking – Stir the meatballs halfway through cooking to ensure they are evenly coated with sauce and heat evenly.
• Appetizer Version – If serving only as an appetizer, you can choose to make it with just the sauce and omit the pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and onions. You’ll still need to substitute the liquid from the pineapple can using ½ cup pineapple juice and ½ cup water.
• Meatball Selection – Avoid using flavored meatballs that can throw off the flavor, such as Italian meatballs. This recipe works best with plain varieties like Angus beef, homestyle, or even turkey or chicken meatballs.
• Fresh Meatballs – If using fresh homemade meatballs, cooking times may vary slightly. Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or until the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 160-165°F.

Storing Tips

• Storage: These sweet and sour meatballs store beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
• Refrigerator: Store your leftover sweet and sour meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually develop more as they sit, making them even more delicious the second time around.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish for later use. Place cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Serving Suggestions

These Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs are versatile when it comes to serving options. Serve them over fluffy Cilantro-Lime Rice for a traditional main course, or try them alongside your favorite grain for a complete Asian-inspired meal.

For a lower carb option, pair with Broccoli Cheese Soup for a balanced dinner. If you’re serving these as an appetizer for a party, they pair wonderfully with other finger foods like Meatball Party Appetizer: Easy Sweet & Spicy Bang Bang Meatballs or Appetizer Ring: Pigs In A Blanket Ring Chili Cheese Bake.

Recipe FAQs