Sweet and Sour Meatballs Crockpot

We have added this meatball recipe to our repertoire for game days and gatherings where we want to serve an incredibly tasty, simple, hands-off appetizer. The slow cooker infuses each meatball with so much flavor, and we can never resist spooning on extra sauce. With minimal ingredients and prep, what is not to love about this Sweet and Sour Meatball recipe?

This was inspired by my C ooked Perfect Meatballs recipe, and pairs well with our Meatball Sliders recipe.

• Easy: We love making homemade meatballs but we also love a shortcut, and this is where store-bought frozen meatballs come into play.
• Minimal Ingredients: Using only a handful of ingredients, you can create something delicious. We love it when things aren't overcomplicated.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Making a big batch allows you to feed a crowd, and we're sure they'll disappear fast!
• Sweet and Savory: Sweet pineapple and BBQ flavors are a match made in heaven.
• Versatile: These meatballs can be served alone as an appetizer, on a bed of rice, or on a bun to make a sandwich. We love our Meatball Sliders recipe.
• Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses pantry staples you may already have at home.
• Hands Off: When you are looking to put something delicious together without a lot of effort, the Crockpot is the perfect solution. You can walk away while it works its magic.

Here is what you will need to make these Sweet and Sour Meatballs.

See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.

• Pre-Cooked Frozen Meatballs: Using pre-made frozen meatballs makes this recipe even simpler.
• BBQ Sauce: Adds a sweet and smoky flavor to your sauce.
• Pineapple Tidbits or Chunks: Adds sweetness.
• Soy Sauce: We use low sodium.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Gives your sauce a slightly sweet, caramelized flavor.
• Fresh Garlic: In a pinch you can use garlic powder, but fresh packs unparalleled flavor.

For this recipe, you'll want to have on hand measuring cups and spoons, a slow cooker, and a spatula.

Love this recipe but want to make it your own? Here are some helpful ideas for you to change these Sweet n Sour Meatballs Crockpot.

• BBQ Sauce: Our go-to sauce to use is Sweet Baby Ray's, but substitute with your favorite variety.
• Meatballs: We used angus beef meatballs, but this can easily be changed to the meat of your choice.
• Pineapple Tidbits: Use canned pineapple chunks or rings if you prefer. If you have fresh pineapple on hand, it would be just as delicious.
• Asian-Inspired: For a more asian-inspired flavor, use Teriyaki and/or hoisin sauce.
• Sweetness: Adjust the amount of dark brown sugar in this recipe to your preferences. Alternatively, you can use light brown sugar, or even maple syrup to give your sauce a different flavor profile.
• Spicy: Add your favorite hot sauce variety or chili flakes to give your meatballs a kick.
• Veggies: Add a boost of fresh color with the addition of onions and bell peppers.

Check out how quick and easy it was to make these Sweet and Sour Meatballs in just a few simple steps. Let's get cooking!

Lightly grease the base of a crockpot and add in all ingredients.

Set on LOW for 4 hours, stirring once or twice throughout.

Garnish with green onions if desired and serve.

Hint: If you are serving Sweet and Sour Meatballs for a party, turn your slow cooker onto the "Keep Warm" function to keep the meatballs fresh once everything finishes cooking.

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If you have leftovers or are making these meatballs ahead, here is how to store them.

• Refrigerator: Once cooled, place in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Store in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or stovetop on low heat until warmed through.
• Make Ahead: Since the ingredients are so minimal and there is virtually no prep time, we recommend assembling everything the day you will be serving it.

• Toothpicks: If you're feeding a crowd, serve meatballs on a large platter with toothpicks.
• Rice: When your meatballs are almost finished cooking, make a batch of your favorite rice variety to serve alongside them.
• Steamed Vegetables: Add a side of steamed veggies for a well-rounded meal.
• Hawaiian Roll or Brioche Bun: We love serving these meatballs as sliders. Check out our Meatball Sliders recipe for more inspiration.
• Mashed Potatoes: Toss these on a fluffy pile of our Idahoan Mashed Potatoes or try the version with Yukon gold in our Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes recipe.
• Greens: Round out your meal and serve these our Sautéed Green Beans with Shallots or Maple Brussel Sprouts.

Instead of HIGH heat, cooking these meatballs and sauce low and slow in the Crockpot is the way to go. Cooking on LOW for 4 hours will ensure that your meatballs are cooked to perfection, and have enough time to be infused with the sweet and tangy flavors of the sauce.

Do you have questions about Sweet and Sour Meatballs Crockpot?

Cook the meatballs and sauce in the crockpot on LOW for 4 hours, until meatballs are fully heated throughout and sauce is well combined.

Of course you can! If you have homemade meatballs, you can substitute them here. Be mindful of their cooking time, and be sure to stir them gently since they may be more fragile and prone to breaking apart more easily than a frozen meatball.

There is no thawing required — meatballs go straight into the crockpot fully frozen. This is part of why we love this recipe so much!

They can be served on toothpicks, over a bed of rice, fluffy mashed potatoes, with your favorite veggie sides, and even on a slider. There are so many delicious possibilities!

Check out some more of our recipes you will want to try!

Meatball Parmigiana

Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins

Honey and Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Easter Bark Recipe

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We would be so grateful for you to leave us a rating and review on any recipes you try. If you make any alterations, let us know how they turned out.