Sweet and Sour Meatballs

These Sweet and Sour Meatballs are tender, juicy, and bursting with bold flavor. Simmered in a tangy, sticky sauce with pineapple chunks, they make a perfect party appetizer or comforting dinner when served over rice. Made easily in the slow cooker, this dish is both effortless and irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet and Sour Meatballs are the ideal blend of convenience and flavor. Whether you use homemade or store-bought meatballs, the slow cooker does most of the work, delivering perfectly coated bites in a rich, glossy sauce. Pineapple adds a juicy sweetness, while vinegar and soy sauce bring balance. They’re freezer-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and work equally well as a main dish or finger food at gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 lbs frozen meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained (juice reserved)
• 1 cup ketchup
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• ⅓ cup white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce until smooth.
2. Place the frozen meatballs and drained pineapple chunks into the crockpot.
3. Pour the sauce over the meatballs and stir gently to coat.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the meatballs are hot and tender.
5. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until dissolved. Stir into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.
6. Serve warm as a party appetizer or spooned over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Calories per serving: 320 kcal

Variations

• Spicy kick: Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Vegetable addition: Stir in chopped bell peppers or onions during the last hour of cooking.
• Turkey or chicken meatballs: Swap traditional beef meatballs for a lighter option.
• Oven version: Bake meatballs in a covered dish with sauce at 350°F for 40–45 minutes.
• Skillet version: Simmer meatballs and sauce in a covered pan for 25–30 minutes on the stovetop.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooled meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked and cooled meatballs in sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs?

Yes. Precooked homemade meatballs (baked or pan-fried) work beautifully in this recipe.

Do I need to thaw the meatballs first?

No. Frozen meatballs can go directly into the crockpot—no need to thaw.

Can I use fresh pineapple?

Yes, but canned pineapple juice is preferred for consistent sweetness in the sauce.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free meatballs and substitute tamari for soy sauce.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Use a larger slow cooker (at least 6 quarts) and double all ingredients.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes. You can freeze leftovers with the sauce and reheat later.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely. Prepare the sauce and refrigerate or freeze with the meatballs. Reheat when ready to serve.

Can I use barbecue sauce instead of ketchup?

You can substitute part of the ketchup with barbecue sauce for a smoky twist.

Is this suitable for meal prep?

Yes. It reheats well and can be portioned over rice or quinoa for easy lunches.

What should I serve with sweet and sour meatballs?

Serve with rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. A side of steamed vegetables works well, too.

Conclusion

Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a no-fuss, full-flavor favorite that’s perfect for both entertaining and weeknight meals. The combination of tender meatballs, tangy-sweet sauce, and juicy pineapple delivers delicious contrast in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a party or feeding the family, this dish is guaranteed to please.

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