Hi there, food lover! 👋 Craving something hearty, tangy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious? Then you’re in for a real treat with this Sweet and Sour Meatballs (Crockpot Easy) recipe! 🍍🥢
This comforting dish combines tender, juicy meatballs with a glossy sweet-and-sour sauce that’s both zesty and satisfying. It’s one of those old-fashioned family recipes that’s stood the test of time — easy to make, always crowd-pleasing, and perfect for those nights when you want something homey without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the hard work for you, letting the flavors deepen and mingle while you go about your day.
Whether you’re preparing it for a potluck, a family dinner, or just a cozy weekend meal, this crockpot version delivers classic flavor with modern ease. Pair it with rice or mashed potatoes, and you’ll have a dish that tastes like love in a bowl. ❤️ Let’s get cooking!
🧂 Ingredients
For the Meatballs (or use frozen for extra ease!):
- 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef (or pork/beef mix)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tbsp finely chopped onion
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
(If using frozen meatballs, skip this section and go straight to the sauce!)
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ⅓ cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (for thickening)
For the Crockpot Mix-ins:
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice 🍚 or mashed potatoes 🥔
- Sliced green onions or parsley for garnish 🌿
🍳 Step-by-Step Directions
- Make the Meatballs (if homemade)
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Roll into 1-inch balls. - Brown the Meatballs (Optional but Recommended)
Heat a skillet with a drizzle of oil and lightly brown the meatballs on all sides. This step locks in flavor and prevents them from falling apart in the slow cooker. - Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce until smooth and glossy. - Layer the Crockpot
Add the bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the meatballs on top, then pour the sauce over everything. Stir gently to combine. - Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 3 hours, until the sauce is bubbly and the meatballs are tender and flavorful. - Thicken the Sauce
About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water). Let the sauce thicken slightly as it simmers. - Serve and Enjoy!
Spoon the sweet and sour meatballs over warm rice or mashed potatoes, garnish with green onions, and serve hot. Every bite brings that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory goodness. 😋
🥗 Nutritional Information
⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🔥 Cooking Time: 5 hours | ⏳ Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 6
⚡ Calories per serving: ~430
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
This dish is a perfect harmony of sweet and tangy, tender and saucy — all with minimal effort thanks to your trusty crockpot! Perfect for meal prep, parties, or just a feel-good dinner. 🍴
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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️
