Sweet and Sour Crockpot Meatballs: The Perfect Appetizer or Easy Dinner

Sweet and sour crockpot meatballs are the ultimate combination of convenience and flavor. Whether you’re prepping for a party or just want an effortless weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers tender, juicy meatballs in a tangy homemade sauce with juicy pineapple and colorful bell peppers. Plus, it all comes together in your trusty slow cooker, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.

When I first made this, I was looking for something quick that could double as an appetizer and a family-friendly dinner. Spoiler alert: this recipe was a winner! It’s now one of my go-to dishes anytime I want big flavors without a lot of hands-on effort. Stick around, and I’ll show you exactly how to make this easy crockpot meatballs recipe a star in your rotation!

How to Make Sweet and Sour Crockpot Meatballs

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is packed with simple, everyday ingredients that turn into something magical in your slow cooker. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 20 oz can pineapple chunks in 100% juice (reserve the juice for the sauce!)
• 1/4 cup cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey (a natural sweetener for balance)
• 2/3 cup apple cider vinegar (adds the perfect hint of tanginess)
• 2 Tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce
• 2 Tbsp ketchup (brings a familiar touch to the sauce)
• 2 Tbsp BBQ sauce (adds smoky depth to the flavor)
• 28 oz bag frozen meatballs (homestyle or plain work best)
• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)

Special Tool: You’ll need a 6-quart slow cooker for this recipe. A standard model works great, but adjust cooking times slightly if yours runs hot or cold!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these pineapple sweet and sour meatballs is so easy—you don’t even need to thaw the meatballs in advance. Here’s how to do it:

1. Drain the Pineapple. Place a strainer or sieve over a mixing bowl and drain the pineapple chunks, reserving the juice in the bowl. Set the pineapple aside for later.
2. Make the Sauce. Whisk 1/4 cup cornstarch into the reserved pineapple juice until smooth. Then, add brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, and BBQ sauce. Mix until well combined and set aside.
3. Assemble the Dish. Add frozen meatballs, green and red bell peppers, and the drained pineapple chunks to your slow cooker. Pour the sauce evenly over everything and give it a good stir to coat the meatballs completely.
4. Cook the Meatballs. Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours. Then, uncover, switch to HIGH, and cook an additional 30-60 minutes to let the sauce thicken. If the sauce isn’t thickening to your liking, you can transfer it to a stovetop pot, simmer, and stir until it’s just right.
5. Serve and Garnish. Scoop out the meatballs and sauce into a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped green onions, serve hot, and enjoy!

Jake’s Tips for Perfect Sweet and Sour Crockpot Meatballs

Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up to make this recipe even better:

• Double up for a crowd: Hosting a party? It’s easy to scale this recipe up to feed a crowd. Just make sure your slow cooker has enough room—half full is the sweet spot for even cooking.
• Fresh pineapple option: If you’d rather use fresh pineapple, go for it! Just grab a cup of pineapple juice (you can pick it up at the grocery store) for the sauce.
• Troubleshoot sauce consistency: If your slow cooker doesn’t thicken the sauce enough, don’t stress. Toss the sauce on the stovetop for a quicker fix.
• Serving ideas: These meatballs pair beautifully with white rice, noodles, or even steamed veggies. They’re also amazing as an appetizer straight from a toothpick!

Sweet and Sour Crockpot Meatballs FAQs

Here are answers to common questions about this recipe:

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Just make sure they’re pre-cooked before adding them to the slow cooker to save time.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can assemble all the ingredients (except the sauce) in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Pour the sauce in when ready and cook as directed.

What meatball variety is best?

Homestyle or plain frozen meatballs work great here. Avoid Italian-style, as the seasonings might clash with the sweet and tangy sauce.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

If your sauce is too thin, simmering it on the stovetop is the quickest fix! Add a little more cornstarch mixed with water if needed.

Give It a Try!

I know you’re going to love how easy and delicious these sweet and sour crockpot meatballs are. They’re the kind of recipe that everyone will rave about, whether you’re serving them as an appetizer at a party or as part of a quick family dinner. So, grab your crockpot, get these meatballs going, and let me know how they turn out in the comments!

And hey, if you’re looking for more slow cooker magic, don’t forget to check out the other recipes on KitchenShortcuts.net. Happy cooking!