These sweet and sour meatballs are made in the slow cooker with frozen meatballs, pineapple chunks, sweet peppers, and a tangy sauce. This is an easy recipe that works well for a busy weeknight, a family dinner, or as a party appetizer.
This recipe is a slow cooker version of classic sweet and sour meatballs, which makes it simple to prep ahead using pantry staples. It's dependable, low effort, and one you'll want to keep in rotation.
Why You'll Love This Sour Meatballs Recipe
- Easy slow cooker recipe with minimal prep
- Classic sweet and sour flavors with a tangy sauce
- Uses frozen meatballs and common pantry staples
- Works for a busy weeknight or as a party appetizer
- Makes extra sauce that's great served over rice
Ingredients You'll Need
- 28-ounce bag frozen meatballs (homestyle meatballs)
- 20-ounce can pineapple chunks in 100% juice, reserve 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup sweet peppers, chopped
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
You can use yellow peppers, green bell pepper, or a mix of both.
How to Make Sweet and Sour Meatballs in the Crockpot
- Add frozen meatballs to the slow cooker.
- Top with pineapple chunks and chopped sweet peppers.
- In a large bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, cornstarch until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs and stir gently to coat.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, stirring once halfway through cooking if possible.
- The sauce will thicken naturally as it cooks in the crockpot. Stir before serving.
Tips for Best Results
- Rice vinegar gives the sauce a clean, tangy flavor, but apple cider vinegar can be used if needed.
- Stir gently to keep the meatballs intact.
- This recipe makes plenty of sauce, which works well over rice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sweet and sour meatballs over white rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice. Add green beans on the side for an easy dinner, or serve them straight from the slow cooker as a party appetizer.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors hold up well and taste even better the next day.
For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and sauce together. Reheat on the stovetop, in the slow cooker, or in the Instant Pot until heated through.
More Party Food Recipes
If you're planning a spread for a party or game day, these easy recipes work well alongside sweet and sour meatballs and are simple to serve for a group.
- Ham and Cheese Sliders - A simple meal that's great for lunch or dinner and comes together quickly.
- Crockpot Grape Jelly Lil Smokies - A classic slow cooker appetizer that's easy to make and always popular at parties.
- Jalapeño Popper Dip - A warm, cheesy dip that works well for game day or casual get-togethers.
📖 Recipe
Sweet and Sour Meatballs (Slow Cooker)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 28 oz frozen homestyle meatballs
- 20 oz pineapple chunks in juice - reserve 1 cup juice
- 1 cup sweet peppers - chopped
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Add frozen meatballs to the slow cooker.
- Add pineapple chunks and sweet peppers.
- Whisk pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, and cornstarch.
- Pour sauce over meatballs and stir gently.
- Cook on low 4-5 hours or high 2-3 hours.
- Stir before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate based on third-party calculations. Actual values may vary due to ingredients, measurements, and serving sizes.
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Dana is the lead recipe developer and photographer for PopularRecipes.com. With her 10+ years of experience creating, testing, and photographing recipes, she has become an artist in developing wholesome, family-friendly meals that are a hit with both kids and parents.
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