Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
These Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a simple, crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal. Slow-cooked with a tangy sauce made from chili sauce, grape jelly, and pineapple, they offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Just set it and forget it for a tasty dish ready in a few hours.
Ingredients
- 32 oz bag frozen fully cooked meatballs
- 12 oz bottle chili sauce
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks in juice, undrained
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk the chili sauce, grape jelly, and soy sauce in a slow cooker until the jelly breaks up and the sauce is smooth.
- Step 2: Stir in the frozen meatballs and the undrained pineapple chunks, mixing to coat evenly.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, stirring halfway through. Cook until the meatballs are hot and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Step 4: For a thicker glaze, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker, then cook uncovered on high for an additional 15 to 30 minutes until the sauce thickens further. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra tang, add a splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the sauce before cooking.
- Use homemade meatballs for a fresher taste, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Include diced bell peppers or onions for added texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of grape jelly slightly.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh or homemade meatballs can be used, but reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking. Check that the meatballs are cooked through before serving.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too watery?
Cooking uncovered at the end with the cornstarch slurry helps thicken the sauce. You can also remove the lid in the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
PrintCrockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe
A delicious and easy Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe featuring frozen meatballs simmered in a tangy chili sauce and grape jelly mixture, enhanced with pineapple chunks for a burst of sweetness. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish for gatherings and family meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 32 oz bag frozen fully cooked meatballs
- 12 oz bottle chili sauce
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks in juice, undrained
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together the chili sauce, grape jelly, and soy sauce in the slow cooker until the grape jelly breaks up and is well incorporated into the sauce.
- Add Meatballs and Pineapple: Stir in the frozen fully cooked meatballs along with the undrained pineapple chunks, ensuring everything is evenly mixed.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, stirring halfway through the cooking time. This allows the meatballs to heat through and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): To create a thicker glaze, whisk the cornstarch and cold water together until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker, then cook uncovered on high for an additional 15 to 30 minutes until the sauce reaches desired thickness. Serve the meatballs warm.
Notes
- For best results, use fully cooked frozen meatballs.
- Adjust cooking times based on your slow cooker model and meatball size.
- The sauce can be thickened more or less to preference by adjusting cornstarch quantity.
- Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks or over rice for a more substantial meal.
- You can substitute pineapple chunks with pineapple tidbits if preferred.
Keywords: crockpot meatballs, sweet and sour meatballs, slow cooker recipes, party appetizers, easy meatball recipe, pineapple meatballs
