Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs

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Sweet and tangy, savory and satisfying—these Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs are everything you crave in a comfort meal. Tender meatballs soak up a rich, flavorful sauce made with pineapple juice, vinegar, brown sugar, and ketchup, creating a deliciously sticky glaze that clings to every bite. Served over fluffy white rice and garnished with fresh herbs and juicy pineapple chunks, this dish is a weeknight dinner dream come true.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe delivers ease and flavor in equal measure. With just a few pantry staples and minimal hands-on time, you’ll have a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner ready to go. Your slow cooker does the heavy lifting, leaving you free to focus on what matters most: enjoying your evening.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

This recipe is the perfect mix of savory and sweet, making it a hit with both kids and adults. It uses frozen or homemade meatballs, so you can customize it to your liking and dietary needs. The slow cooker infuses deep flavor without any stovetop babysitting, and it’s versatile enough for dinner parties, potlucks, or casual weeknights. Plus, the leftovers taste just as good (if not better) the next day.

Can I Use Store-Bought or Homemade Meatballs?

Absolutely! This recipe is super flexible when it comes to the meatballs. You can use your favorite store-bought frozen meatballs to keep it extra convenient, or whip up a homemade batch if you prefer a specific seasoning blend or want to control the ingredients. Turkey, beef, or even plant-based meatballs all work beautifully. Just make sure they’re pre-cooked before adding them to the slow cooker for best results.

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Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Each ingredient in this dish plays an important role in building its signature flavor profile:

• Meatballs: The heart of the dish. Use frozen pre-cooked meatballs for convenience or make your own to tailor seasoning and meat preference.
• Pineapple chunks: Add a burst of sweetness and juiciness that pairs perfectly with the tangy sauce.
• Brown sugar: Provides rich, caramel-like sweetness that balances the acidity.
• Ketchup: Delivers a tangy tomato base and adds depth to the sauce.
• Rice vinegar: Brings brightness and that essential sour element.
• Soy sauce: Introduces savory umami notes to round out the flavor.
• Garlic powder: A subtle aromatic base that enhances all the other flavors.
• Cornstarch and water: This mixture thickens the sauce, giving it that classic glossy finish.

How To Make the Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Step 1: Prep the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Stir until fully blended.

Step 2: Layer the Slow Cooker

Place your cooked meatballs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the sweet and sour sauce mixture over them evenly.

Step 3: Add Pineapple

Top the meatballs with the pineapple chunks, spreading them around for even distribution.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until the meatballs are fully heated and have absorbed the flavors.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

In the final 30 minutes, mix cornstarch and water into a slurry and stir it into the slow cooker. Let it continue cooking uncovered until the sauce thickens.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the sweet and sour meatballs over white rice, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

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How to Serve and Store Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs

This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying throughout the week. It serves about 4 to 6 people generously when paired with rice or noodles. The saucy, flavorful meatballs also make a great appetizer when served with toothpicks for easy grabbing.

For storage, let the meatballs cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and sauce for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

What to Serve With Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Steamed White Rice

Fluffy and neutral, white rice is the classic companion for soaking up the sweet and tangy sauce.

Fried Rice

Add extra texture and flavor with a veggie-packed fried rice as a heartier base.

Stir-Fried Vegetables

Lightly sautéed bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots bring color and crunch to your plate.

Egg Rolls

Crispy egg rolls filled with veggies or meat make a delicious appetizer or side.

Garlic Noodles

These savory noodles add a satisfying umami kick that pairs wonderfully with the sweet meatballs.

Cucumber Salad

A cool, crunchy cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing balances the richness of the meatballs.

Roasted Broccoli

Simple and healthy, roasted broccoli adds a nutty depth and nutritional boost.

Hawaiian Sweet Rolls

Soft, slightly sweet rolls are perfect for scooping up extra sauce or turning the meatballs into sliders.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and store it separately or even assemble the entire dish a day in advance. Just refrigerate and then start the slow cooker when you’re ready.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Definitely. Fresh pineapple chunks work beautifully and add an even juicier, brighter flavor to the dish.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your meatballs are gluten-free. Many store-bought varieties now have GF options.

Can I double this recipe for a party?
Absolutely. Just make sure your slow cooker has enough capacity. Double the ingredients, and cook time remains about the same.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can substitute with arrowroot powder or leave it out if you prefer a thinner sauce.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for store-bought or homemade meatballs? Did you spice up the sauce?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.
Check out more easy dinner recipes on my Pinterest!

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a deliciously easy way to upgrade your dinner game. With a balanced sauce of sweet, sour, and savory elements, this dish pleases picky eaters and foodies alike. Whether you’re prepping meals or hosting friends, this flavorful dish brings comfort and joy to the table with minimal effort. Try it once, and it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation.

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