Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a perfect blend of tangy, savory, and sweet flavors, making them an irresistible dish for parties, weeknight dinners, or even as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The slow cooking process ensures that the meatballs are tender and juicy, while the sauce thickens to a perfect consistency, coating each bite in a rich, flavorful glaze. This dish pairs well with rice or noodles, but it can also be served solo for a delightful snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs frozen meatballs (or homemade, if preferred)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (with juice)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions:
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice (reserve the chunks for later), brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, and water until well combined.
- Add to slow cooker: Place the frozen meatballs, chopped bell peppers, onion, and pineapple chunks into the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the top and gently stir to ensure everything is coated.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to make sure the sauce is well distributed.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry. About 20 minutes before serving, stir the slurry into the slow cooker and allow the sauce to thicken.
- Serve: Once the meatballs are tender and the sauce has thickened, serve over rice or noodles, or enjoy as an appetizer.
Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and sour with these deliciously tender meatballs!
