Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a fun and tasty dish! With juicy meatballs simmered in a tangy sauce made from pineapple, bell peppers, and soy sauce, this meal is a real crowd-pleaser.
These meatballs are perfect for busy days. Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it cook! I love serving them over rice for a hearty meal that even my picky eaters enjoy. 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Meatballs: You can use beef or chicken meatballs, but feel free to swap in turkey or even plant-based meatballs for a lighter or vegetarian option. Pre-cooked frozen ones are a real time-saver!
Bell Pepper: While red or green peppers work well, you can also use yellow or orange for a sweeter flavor. If you don’t have any peppers, diced carrots or snap peas will add a nice crunch.
Pineapple: Canned pineapple chunks are convenient, but fresh pineapple gives a more vibrant taste. If pineapple isn’t your favorite, try diced mango or apricots for a sweet touch.
Sweet and Sour Sauce: If you want to make this dish healthier, you can use low-sugar sweet and sour sauce or even homemade sauce using vinegar, ketchup, and brown sugar. It’s super easy and fresh!
Rice: White rice is classic, but brown rice or quinoa can boost the nutrition. Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb alternative if you want to keep things light!
How Do I Ensure My Meatballs Are Cooked Perfectly?
Getting meatballs heated through in the crockpot is all about time and temperature. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with frozen meatballs; don’t thaw them first. They’ll cook evenly without getting soggy.
- For maximum flavor infusion, cook on low for 4-6 hours. If you’re short on time, the high setting cooks them in about 2-3 hours.
- Check if the meatballs are hot in the center by cutting one open before serving.
Remember, every crockpot cooks a bit differently, so check for doneness accordingly. Happy cooking!
How to Make Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 pound frozen meatballs (beef or chicken)
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sweet and sour sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
To Serve:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and then you’ll let it cook for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. It’s perfect for a busy day when you want to come home to a warm meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Dice the bell pepper and onion, and if you’re using fresh pineapple, cut it into chunks. The meatballs should be frozen, but that’s okay—they’ll cook beautifully in the crockpot!
2. Combine Everything in the Crockpot:
In your crockpot, add the frozen meatballs, diced bell pepper, diced onion, and pineapple chunks. Give it a little stir to mix everything together. This is where all those flavors will meld beautifully!
3. Make the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the sweet and sour sauce and soy sauce. If you want a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in a tablespoon of water before adding it to the sauce mixture. Now, pour this delicious sauce over the meatball and vegetable mixture in the crockpot and stir gently to make sure everything is coated well.
4. Cook Everything:
Cover the crockpot with its lid. Let it cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the meatballs are heated through, and the veggies are nice and tender.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
When it’s done cooking, serve the sweet and sour meatballs over a bed of your cooked white rice. Don’t forget to sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a lovely touch. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Fresh Meatballs Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer using fresh meatballs, just reduce the cooking time slightly. Cook on low for about 2-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours, checking occasionally to ensure they are cooked through and heated evenly.
What Can I Substitute for Pineapple?
If you don’t have pineapple or prefer not to use it, try using diced mango or even a mix of bell peppers for a different flavor. You could also omit it and add an extra bell pepper for more crunch!
How Can I Thicken the Sauce?
To thicken the sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, as mentioned in the instructions. Stir this mixture into the crockpot 30 minutes before serving. Alternatively, you can remove some of the sauce, reduce it in a saucepan over medium heat until it thickens, and then stir it back into the crockpot.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can prep everything the night before. Simply combine the meatballs, veggies, and sauce in the crockpot insert and refrigerate. In the morning, just pop it into the slow cooker and cook as directed. Perfect for busy days!
