Description
Looking for an easy dinner idea that’s both comforting and packed with flavor? These Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs are the answer! With tender meatballs simmered in a rich sauce of pineapple, brown sugar, vinegar, and ketchup, this dish hits every flavor note: sweet, tangy, and savory. Whether you’re after a quick family meal, a party favorite, or a new addition to your dinner ideas list, this easy recipe delivers big-time. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends—plus, it’s one of those food ideas that gets better the next day.
Ingredients
24 oz cooked meatballs
1 can pineapple chunks (20 oz), drained
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup ketchup
1/3 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic powder until smooth.
2. Place cooked meatballs into the slow cooker.
3. Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs, coating them evenly.
4. Top with drained pineapple chunks, distributing them evenly.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours.
6. In the last 30 minutes, mix cornstarch and water into a slurry and stir it into the slow cooker.
7. Continue cooking uncovered until the sauce thickens.
8. Serve hot over rice, garnished with parsley or green onions.
Notes
Make sure your meatballs are fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker.
Adjust sweetness or tanginess to taste by changing the sugar or vinegar ratio.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: slow cooker meatballs, sweet and sour recipe, easy dinner, quick meal, party appetizer