Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

Sweet and sour meatballs offer a delicious blend of tangy and savory flavors that’s perfect for a comforting meal. This easy slow cooker recipe combines tender meatballs with vibrant vegetables and a classic sweet and sour sauce. It’s a simple dish that’s sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

• 26 oz. frozen homestyle meatballs
• 20 oz. can pineapple chunks (drained)
• 8 oz. can sliced water chestnuts (drained)
• 14.5 oz. can baby corn (drained)
• 2 bell peppers (one red and one green, cut into one-inch pieces)
• 1 white onion (cut into one-inch pieces)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
• 14.5 oz. bottle sweet and sour sauce (such as Sunluck Brand or Contadina)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the frozen meatballs to the slow cooker.
2. Step 2: Next, add the pineapple chunks, sliced water chestnuts, baby corn, bell peppers, and onion to the slow cooker.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes evenly over the ingredients.
4. Step 4: Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the meatballs and vegetables. Stir gently to coat everything with the sauce.
5. Step 5: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or on LOW for 5 hours, stirring occasionally to mix the flavors.
6. Step 6: Serve the meatballs hot with rice or chow mein noodles and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture, briefly sauté the bell peppers and onion before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Swap the frozen meatballs for homemade ones if you prefer a fresh option.
• Add extra heat by increasing the red pepper flakes or including a dash of hot sauce.
• Use fresh pineapple instead of canned for a more vibrant flavor.

Storage

Store leftover sweet and sour meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe on the stove instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can simmer all the ingredients in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce thickens.

Can I freeze leftover sweet and sour meatballs?

Absolutely. Let the meatballs cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 149 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (HIGH) or 5 hours 10 minutes (LOW)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe features tender homestyle meatballs simmered in a tangy sweet and sour sauce with pineapple chunks, water chestnuts, baby corn, bell peppers, and onion. Cooked slowly in a slow cooker, it blends vibrant flavors and textures, making it a perfect hearty and satisfying meal served over rice or chow mein noodles.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs and Protein

• 26 oz. frozen homestyle meatballs

Vegetables and Fruits

• 20 oz. can pineapple chunks, drained
• 8 oz. can sliced water chestnuts, drained
• 14.5 oz. can baby corn, drained
• 2 bell peppers (one red and one green), cut into one-inch pieces
• 1 white onion, cut into one-inch pieces
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Seasoning and Sauce

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 14.5 oz. bottle sweet and sour sauce (Sunluck Brand or Contadina Sweet and Sour Sauce)

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Instructions

1. Add Meatballs: Place the frozen homestyle meatballs in the slow cooker to start building the base of the dish.
2. Add Pineapple and Vegetables: Add the drained pineapple chunks, sliced water chestnuts, baby corn, bell peppers, and white onion pieces on top of the meatballs, distributing evenly.
3. Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle the minced garlic and red pepper flakes over the ingredients to add aromatic and spicy notes.
4. Pour Sweet and Sour Sauce: Pour the entire 14.5 oz bottle of sweet and sour sauce over the meatballs and vegetables, then stir gently to coat all components evenly.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5 hours in the slow cooker, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
6. Serve: Once cooked thoroughly, serve the meatballs and vegetables hot over cooked rice or chow mein noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

• Make sure to drain canned pineapple, water chestnuts, and baby corn well to avoid excess liquid in the slow cooker.
• You can adjust the level of heat by increasing or reducing the red pepper flakes according to your preference.
• For a thicker sauce, remove the lid in the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some liquid evaporate.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
• Serving with rice or noodles complements the sweet and tangy flavors perfectly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours (HIGH) or 5 hours (LOW)
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: sweet and sour meatballs, slow cooker meatballs, pineapple meatballs, easy dinner, crockpot recipes, sweet and sour sauce, homestyle meatballs